The Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act establishes minimum staffing standards for registered professional nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel in general and special hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, developmental centers, and psychiatric hospitals in New Jersey. The act mandates the Commissioner of Health to adopt regulations that set specific nurse-to-patient ratios, ensuring that these ratios do not decrease from existing standards. For instance, the bill outlines ratios such as one registered nurse for every four patients in medical/surgical units and one for every two patients in critical care units. Additionally, it requires facilities to implement an acuity and staffing system to potentially increase staffing levels beyond the minimums established by the act.

To enforce these requirements, the Department of Health will conduct periodic inspections and respond to complaints regarding staffing violations. Individuals, including registered nurses and collective bargaining agents, can file complaints with the Commissioner of Health, who must investigate and determine compliance. Hospitals found in violation may face escalating civil penalties, with funds collected directed to the newly established Patient Protection and Staffing Fund. This fund will be used to enhance enforcement, support nursing recruitment and retention programs, and improve compensation for nursing educators. The act also requires the Commissioner of Human Services to review and revise staffing standards in developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals to align with safe staffing practices.