New Jersey Senate Bill S306

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Establishes additional requirements for DOH to assess sanctions and impose penalties on nursing homes; revises reporting requirements for nursing homes.

Impact

The bill introduces significant revisions to reporting requirements for nursing homes, aligning them more closely with the National Health Care Safety Network (NHSN). Nursing homes are now required to participate in comprehensive reporting measures that include details on healthcare-associated infections and compliance with infection control practices. Additionally, the bill creates a requirement for the Department of Health (DOH) to develop a public-facing dashboard containing essential data on nursing homes, thereby enhancing transparency and enabling informed decision-making by potential residents and their families.

Summary

Senate Bill S306 aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for nursing homes in New Jersey by establishing additional penalties and sanctions for non-compliance with federal and state guidelines. It mandates that nursing homes cited for repeated F-level deficiencies will face increasingly severe penalties for subsequent violations over a three-year period. This measure is designed to enhance accountability among nursing facilities and protect the health and well-being of residents, especially in terms of infection control protocols.

Contention

Notably, the legislation has sparked discussions regarding the balance between regulatory oversight and the operational burdens it places on nursing homes. Advocates for the bill argue that stringent penalties are necessary to ensure compliance and improve care quality, while critics express concern that increased administrative demands may compromise resources that could be better allocated towards direct patient care. The bill's requirement for nursing homes to post financial statements online also raises questions about privacy and the potential strain on facilities already facing financial pressures.