The bill amends Section 12 of P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-12) to strengthen operational requirements for health care facilities in New Jersey. It introduces a uniform system for cost accounting and reporting, mandates the creation of an annual long-range health care service plan, and requires a coordinated discharge planning system for patients. Additionally, the Department of Health is tasked with posting inspection reports for residential health care facilities, including serious violations, on its website within 72 hours of an inspection. The bill also allows the commissioner to amend a facility's license to reduce bed capacity based on actual utilization and provides for pre-licensure consultations for prospective applicants.

Moreover, the bill modifies the assessment structure for hospitals, increasing the per adjusted admission charge from $10 to $12.50 starting July 1, 2025, and establishes a Safety Net Graduate Medical Education funding pool with an appropriation of $24,285,714 from the General Fund for hospitals with high Medicaid percentages. It outlines eligibility criteria and distribution methodology for subsidy payments. The bill also details the assessment process for licensed ambulatory care facilities, introducing a framework based on gross receipts, with specific rates and penalties for non-compliance. The assessment rates will gradually adjust, with a fixed rate of 2.95% from Fiscal Year 2011 through 2025, reducing to 2.5% starting in Fiscal Year 2026, and revenues will be directed to the Health Care Subsidy Fund. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-12, 26:2H-18.57
Advance Law: 26:2H-12, 26:2H-18.57
Pamphlet Law: 26:2H-12, 26:2H-18.57