Requires State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to employ three geriatric social workers to serve New Jersey's long-term care residents and makes appropriation.

This bill requires New Jersey's State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to hire three regional geriatric social workers - one for each of the state's northern, central, and southern regions - to directly assist long-term care residents. The social workers must address residents' legal, financial, and service needs, including being present at initial facility contract signings. The bill appropriates state funds from the General Fund to cover these positions and related costs. It directly affects long-term care residents by providing specialized support and the Ombudsman's office, which must now implement this staffing requirement.