This bill establishes a long-term services and supports (LTSS) workforce engagement and sustainability program within the New Jersey Department of Health. The program aims to enhance the supply of LTSS direct care workers in both institutional and community-based settings through various strategies. Key requirements for the Department of Health include conducting reviews of Medicaid payment policies affecting worker compensation, identifying federal COVID-19 funds for bonuses, developing a unified training curriculum, creating incentives for career advancement, and adopting regulations for certified medication aides in nursing homes. Additionally, the program will focus on providing financial support for individuals pursuing careers in LTSS, developing online credentialing approaches, and conducting public awareness campaigns about the benefits of working in LTSS settings.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of Health submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the program's implementation and any necessary recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to bolster the LTSS workforce. This report is to be submitted no later than one year after the bill's effective date and annually thereafter, ensuring ongoing evaluation and support for the LTSS direct care workforce in New Jersey.