This bill establishes minimum staffing standards for registered professional nurses in hospitals, ambulatory surgery facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and developmental centers in New Jersey. It mandates that the Commissioner of Health adopt regulations to set minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, which vary by unit type, ensuring that existing ratios are not decreased. For example, the bill specifies that there should be one registered nurse for every five patients in medical/surgical units and one for every patient under anesthesia in operating rooms. Additionally, the bill requires the implementation of an acuity and staffing system to potentially increase staffing levels beyond the minimums, based on various factors such as patient acuity and the skill mix of healthcare personnel.

The bill also outlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing registered nurses, other staff, or the public to file complaints regarding violations of staffing requirements. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with investigating these complaints and ensuring compliance. Furthermore, the bill allows for waivers of minimum staffing requirements in cases of financial distress for hospitals or facilities, with the possibility of revocation if the financial situation improves. Lastly, the Commissioner of Human Services is directed to review and revise staffing standards for developmental centers to align with safe staffing practices.