This bill mandates that general acute care hospitals in New Jersey, which have received approval from the Department of Health to relocate from an underserved community, must continue to provide essential services at their original location. Specifically, these hospitals are required to maintain the minimum professional departments, inpatient beds, services, facilities, and functions as outlined in existing regulations. Additionally, the services retained at the original location must operate under the same license as the relocated hospital.

The bill also defines "underserved community" and establishes criteria for municipalities that qualify under this designation. It stipulates that the Commissioner of Health will adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement the act, which will take effect immediately and apply retroactively to hospital relocations approved within the previous 12 months, provided they meet the outlined requirements.