New Jersey Assembly Bill A493

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes certain requirements concerning resident supervision at residential health care facilities.

Impact

The law also requires these facilities to create a comprehensive plan addressing instances when residents leave the premises. Plans must include protocols for rapidly identifying and reporting incidents of missing residents, specifically those missing for 24 hours or more. This is intended to improve the accountability and response measures taken by the facilities in safeguarding the residents' welfare.

Summary

Bill A493 establishes new requirements related to resident supervision in free-standing residential health care facilities in New Jersey. The legislation mandates that all such facilities maintain at least two staff members on duty at all times to ensure adequate supervision of residents. This requirement is aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of individuals living in these facilities, promoting a supportive environment that can accommodate their needs.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding the bill is the increased operational burden it places on residential health care facilities. Critics may argue that the mandates on staffing and reporting could strain resources, contributing to challenges for smaller or underfunded facilities. Additionally, the rigorous eviction procedures stipulated may raise concerns about balancing resident autonomy with safety, further fueling debate among stakeholders about the appropriate measures in residential health care governance.