This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to create a Regional Hospital System Program for Emergency Preparedness, which will involve regional coalitions of hospitals and local health departments. These coalitions are tasked with developing coordinated plans and strategies to ensure the resilience of the state's hospital system during public emergencies, which are defined as environmental, public health, or public safety emergencies officially recognized by the Governor or the President. The DOH will assign hospitals and health departments to regional coalitions, appoint regional coordinators, and establish criteria for assessing emergency preparedness plans that must be submitted annually.

Additionally, the bill requires the DOH to conduct annual surveys of the hospital system's preparedness and resiliency, collaborating with regional coalitions and relevant stakeholders. The surveys will review existing emergency response plans and preparedness plans submitted by the coalitions. To support hospitals identified as deficient in emergency preparedness, the DOH will establish a grant program offering funding and technical assistance. The bill emphasizes the importance of data sharing and the ability to redeploy health leaders during emergencies, aiming to enhance the overall emergency response capabilities of New Jersey's healthcare system.