This bill establishes a two-year pilot program aimed at enhancing the recruitment, training, and retention of qualified health care professionals at New Jersey's veterans memorial homes located in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will oversee the program, which includes the creation of a clinical scholarship program funded by the Workforce Development Partnership Fund. The DMVA will reimburse education costs for certified nurse assistants and other qualified personnel pursuing nursing degrees, contingent upon their commitment to work at a veterans home for at least two years post-education. Additionally, the bill introduces a recruitment bonus program for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, with bonuses not exceeding $6,000, payable over two years.

The bill also mandates the DMVA to develop specialized training programs focusing on critical areas such as infection control, geriatric care, PTSD management, and trauma-informed care for veterans. An annual report from the Adjutant General to the Governor and the Legislature will track the program's effectiveness, detailing the number of professionals participating and the impact on recruitment and retention. The total appropriation for this initiative is $370,000, with $120,000 allocated for recruitment bonuses and $250,000 for education reimbursements.