This bill amends the New Jersey Board of Nursing's authority regarding the certification of homemaker-home health aides. It requires the board to defer consideration or withhold approval of certification for any individual who is either a certified aide or an applicant for certification if there is a notification of a charge or complaint alleging abuse, neglect, or violence against a patient, or if there is credible evidence supporting such allegations. This deferral must remain in effect until the conclusion of any related inquiry, investigation, or civil or criminal proceedings, with a maximum duration of 120 days unless the situation warrants an extension.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language by replacing "homemaker home-health" with "homemaker-home health aide" in the context of certification applications. This change clarifies the terminology used in the certification process. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals with serious allegations against them are not certified or recertified until their cases are resolved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:11-24