This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to implement a series of reforms aimed at improving long-term care facilities, particularly nursing homes. Key provisions include the development of a demonstration project for dementia care villages, encouragement of new construction and renovations focused on private accommodations, and the elimination of high-occupancy bedrooms. The bill also seeks to prevent the establishment of large, hospital-style nursing homes, facilitate the downsizing of existing facilities, and ensure that nursing home regulations meet or exceed federal standards, particularly regarding resident rights. Additionally, the Commissioner of Health is tasked with enhancing staffing standards, improving financial transparency, and reforming quality incentive programs.

Further, the bill emphasizes the importance of infection control by adopting stricter certification standards for infection preventionists and aligning state policies with federal guidelines. It also introduces a statewide essential caregiver policy to allow designated visitors during health crises, incentivizes high vaccination rates among residents, and aims to strengthen resident and family councils within nursing homes. The Commissioner is required to adopt necessary regulations to implement these provisions, with the act taking effect immediately upon passage.