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 maintain essential services at their original location. Specifically, these hospitals are required to keep the minimum professional departments, inpatient beds, services, facilities, and functions as outlined in existing regulations. Additionally, the services maintained at the original location must operate under the same license as the relocated hospital.

The bill defines "underserved community" based on specific criteria, including population size and medical underservice designations. It also empowers the Commissioner of Health to adopt necessary regulations for implementation. Importantly, the provisions of this bill will take effect immediately and will apply retroactively to any hospital relocations approved in the 12 months prior to the effective date, provided they meet the outlined requirements.