This bill mandates that all licensed hospitals in New Jersey establish training programs focused on domestic violence screening and bystander intervention techniques. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with developing these programs in consultation with the Advisory Council on Domestic Violence. The training will cover essential topics such as the dynamics of domestic violence, the psychological and physical needs of survivors, and effective intervention strategies for hospital staff who may witness incidents of domestic violence. Participation in these training programs is mandatory for all licensed health care professionals and hospital staff, including ancillary personnel, and hospitals are required to provide annual training sessions.
Additionally, hospitals must award certificates to those who successfully complete the training programs, and the Commissioner of Health will periodically assess and update the training content as necessary. The bill emphasizes the importance of equipping health care professionals and hospital staff with the knowledge and skills to effectively address domestic violence situations, thereby enhancing the overall response to such incidents within healthcare settings.