Sponsored by:
Assemblyman ALEXANDER "AVI" SCHNALL
District 30 (Monmouth and Ocean)
Assemblywoman SHANIQUE SPEIGHT
District 29 (Essex and Hudson)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson
SYNOPSIS
Requires DOH to prepare comprehensive plan to invest in States public health system.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the States public health system.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. Within 18 months of the effective date of this act, the Department of Health shall submit to the Governor and the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), a proposal for a comprehensive plan to invest in the States public health system. The plan shall outline:
(1) a summary of existing policies, as well as recommendations for new initiatives, which strengthen public health infrastructure, develop a robust public health workforce, address health equity, and improve public health messaging and trust;
(2) clear objectives, actionable steps, and timelines for each recommendation; and
(3) identify responsible agencies or entities for the implementation of each recommendation.
b. The plan, at a minimum, shall include recommendations for increasing funding, from any applicable source, for existing and new initiatives regarding the following:
(1) health care access, culturally specific health programs, and modern information technology systems;
(2) building a diverse and resilient healthcare and human services workforce, including the provision of incentives, targeted workforce development programs for displaced workers, and support for targeted improvements;
(3) collaborations between State agencies and institutions of higher education that expand relevant educational programs and create stronger pathways into healthcare related degree programs;
(4) public school programs that expose students to and foster early interest in healthcare careers;
(5) the development and education of teachers and trainers to ensure high quality instruction in healthcare related degree programs;
(6) the establishment of clear career ladders in public health roles to provide workers with advancement opportunities and incentives for professional development;
(7) training programs, competitive wages, and adequate support for homecare workers that address the critical shortage of caregivers in the State;
(8) improved recruitment and deployment of healthcare workers under the licensing and credentialing system, including expanding the scope of practice for each credential type, allowing workers to perform a broader set of responsibilities, and increasing workforce flexibility;
(9) the expansion of opportunities for interstate collaboration to allow for more flexible and responsive deployment of healthcare professionals during emergencies;
(10) the development and implementation of policies in direct consultation with affected communities to ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive and appropriate;
(11) funding strategies for long-term care facilities and home health services that will provide both high quality care and expand capacity to meet the increasing demand for services;
(12) transparency, accuracy, and empathy in public health messaging strategies; and
(13) engagement with community leaders to assist in the dissemination of public health messages in a way that is accessible to and resonates with diverse communities.
c. The department shall develop the plan required pursuant to this section with input from health partners across the State, including local health departments, healthcare providers, community organizations, and academia.
2. This act shall take effect immediately, and shall expire upon the submission of the plan required pursuant to section 1 of this act.
STATEMENT
This bill requires the Department of Health, within 18 months of the effective date of the bill, to submit to the Governor and the Legislature a proposal for a comprehensive plan to invest in the States public health system. The plan shall outline: a summary of existing policies, as well as recommendations for new initiatives, which strengthen public health infrastructure, develop a robust public health workforce, address health equity, and improve public health messaging and trust; clear objectives, actionable steps, and timelines for each recommendation; and identify responsible agencies or entities for the implementation of each recommendation. The plan is required to be developed with input from health partners across the State, including local health departments, healthcare providers, community organizations, and academia.