Establishes Direct Care Worker Support Program in DOH; makes appropriation.

This bill (A5137) establishes the Direct Care Worker Support Program within New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH). It directly affects certified direct care workers - including direct support professionals, certified homemaker-home health aides, and certified nurse aides - by providing financial assistance for childcare and transportation costs. The program requires the DOH to study wage gaps between different types of direct care workers and submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year. The bill appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund to implement these provisions.