This bill aims to enhance the assessment and regulation of nursing homes in New Jersey by establishing minimum standards for evaluating the physical and mental well-being of residents, as well as operational metrics of the facilities. The Department of Health (DOH) is tasked with developing these standards, which will include metrics such as the incidence of bed sores, resident falls, and the use of antipsychotic medications. Additionally, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and DOH will conduct annual reviews of these standards to assess their effectiveness in ensuring health, safety, and operational compliance in nursing homes.

The bill outlines a structured response for nursing homes that receive a one-star rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or fail to meet the established standards. The DHS will issue warnings and may impose escalating sanctions based on the frequency of non-compliance, including restrictions on new admissions and potential removal of current residents. Furthermore, nursing homes that do not comply with improvement plan requirements will be ineligible for Medicaid reimbursement. The bill also mandates annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on the implementation and effectiveness of these measures, ensuring that the oversight of nursing homes remains robust and accountable.