This bill proposes a significant shift in the oversight of certified nurse aides (CNAs) in New Jersey, transferring authority from the Department of Health (DOH) to the New Jersey Board of Nursing. It amends existing legislation by replacing the term "nurse aide" with "personal care assistant" and clarifies the definitions and responsibilities of health care professionals. The bill outlines notification requirements for health care entities regarding the conduct of professionals, particularly concerning impairment, incompetency, or misconduct that could impact patient safety. It also establishes conditions for certification, including mandatory criminal history background checks, disqualifications for certain convictions, and a framework for assessing rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions for criminal history checks, requiring a thorough review before issuing certifications and follow-up checks every two years for recertification. It allows individuals with criminal convictions to demonstrate rehabilitation to avoid disqualification, considering factors such as the nature of the offense and evidence of rehabilitation efforts. The legislation also ensures that licensed health care facilities are immune from liability when disclosing disqualifications, mandates the Department of Law and Public Safety to cover background check costs, and establishes penalties for false statements during the certification process. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and integrity of care provided to vulnerable populations by ensuring that personal care assistants and nurse aides meet stringent background requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-12.2, 26:2H-83, 26:2H-84, 26:2H-85, 45:1-28, 52:27D-407, 53:1-20.9, 26:2H-87.1