Requires licensed providers of long-term skilled nursing care to establish permanent morgue for use in non-emergent periods and supplemental morgue space for use in public emergencies.
Impact
The bill has significant implications for state laws governing health and safety in nursing homes. It mandates that nursing homes prepare and submit a long-term cold storage plan within 30 days of the bill’s effective date. This plan must outline the establishment and operational capacity of both permanent and emergency morgues, ensuring they conform to health regulations. Furthermore, nursing homes are held accountable for arranging proper storage and transfer of deceased bodies, enhancing public health safety standards during emergent situations.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2570 requires licensed providers of long-term skilled nursing care in New Jersey to establish both a permanent morgue for non-emergent periods and supplemental emergency morgue space for use in public emergencies. The bill aims to address the need for safe and respectful storage of deceased patients or residents, particularly highlighted by the challenges faced during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilities must ensure that these morgue spaces meet specific requirements for construction, equipment, and hygiene to maintain dignity in the handling of deceased individuals.
Contention
Notably, the bill has raised concerns among nursing home administrators regarding the financial and logistical implications of setting up permanent morgue facilities. Some argue that the costs associated with compliance may strain resources in a sector that often operates on tight budgets. Critics also fear that strict regulations may lead to challenges in implementation, especially for smaller facilities that may lack the capacity to designate appropriate storage spaces. However, proponents advocate for the bill as a necessary step toward ensuring dignity and respect in the treatment of deceased patients during difficult times.
Same As
Requires licensed providers of long-term skilled nursing care to establish permanent morgue for use in non-emergent periods and supplemental morgue space for use in public emergencies.
Requires licensed providers of long-term skilled nursing care to establish permanent morgue for use in non-emergent periods and supplemental morgue space for use in public emergencies.
Requires licensed providers of long-term skilled nursing care to establish permanent morgue for use in non-emergent periods and supplemental morgue space for use in public emergencies.
Requires licensed providers of long-term skilled nursing care to establish permanent morgue for use in non-emergent periods and supplemental morgue space for use in public emergencies.
Requires licensed providers of long-term skilled nursing care to establish permanent morgue for use in non-emergent periods and supplemental morgue space for use in public emergencies.