This bill revises infection control regulations for long-term care facilities in New Jersey, specifically amending N.J.S.A.26:2H-12.87. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for a physician with an infectious disease fellowship to be part of the infection prevention and control committee, and the introduction of new qualifications for infection preventionists, which now include certification from recognized training programs. Additionally, the bill restricts infection preventionists to serving on no more than five committees and allows them to perform other duties when their primary responsibilities are not required.

The bill also mandates that long-term care facilities develop customized outbreak response plans within 180 days, which must include protocols for isolating infected residents, notifying stakeholders during outbreaks, and monitoring for communicable diseases. Facilities are required to conduct annual training exercises and drills to ensure the effectiveness of their plans. Furthermore, the infection prevention and control committee is tasked with developing policies and training for staff, monitoring compliance, and conducting quality improvement audits. The bill aims to enhance the safety and well-being of residents and staff in long-term care settings by establishing comprehensive infection control measures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-12.87