New Jersey Assembly Bill A1659

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes certain requirements and initiatives related to nurses; transfers oversight of certified nurse aides from DOH to Board of Nursing; appropriates $26.7 million.

Impact

The most significant changes under A1659 include the establishment of residency programs for newly graduated nurses, tailored support from the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN), and mandatory creation of Nurse Workplace Environment and Staffing Councils in hospitals to ensure nurses' representation in decisions affecting their work environment. These measures aim to improve retention in the nursing profession and ultimately address staffing shortages exacerbated by high turnover rates. By providing grants to increase nursing school capacities, the bill directly responds to the ongoing demand for qualified nurses across healthcare settings.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1659 seeks to enhance the support and structure of the nursing workforce in New Jersey by implementing various initiatives aimed at improving nursing education and oversight, while simultaneously transferring regulatory authority over certified nurse aides (CNAs) from the Department of Health to the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The bill earmarks a total appropriation of $26.7 million to facilitate these initiatives, including funding for nursing residency programs, mental health support for nurses, and tax incentives for preceptors mentoring nursing students.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounds the transition of CNA regulatory authority to the Board of Nursing, which some stakeholders argue may streamline oversight and enhance standards, while others raise concerns that it might diminish the level of attention and resources currently provided by the Department of Health. Additionally, the funding limitations for the tax credit program for nursing preceptors, capped at $10 million annually, may spark debate over the adequacy of resources allocated for expanding mentorship opportunities within nursing education. The effectiveness of the newly mandated councils in addressing nurse workplace issues will also be closely monitored, as implementation could vary across institutions.