Healthcare (Healthcare Workforce)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3376: Expands scope of practice of pediatricians and advanced practice nurses with respect to pediatric behavioral and developmental health care.

This New Jersey bill expands healthcare access by allowing general pediatricians (not specialists) to treat children with low-acuity behavioral or developmental issues like anxiety, as defined by the State Board of Medical Examiners. It also updates rules for advanced practice nurses, enabling them to prescribe medications and manage care in more settings under specific collaborative protocols with physicians, including annual protocol reviews and additional pharmacology training for controlled substances. Both changes aim to increase provider capacity for pediatric behavioral health while requiring physician collaboration and documentation. The bill directly affects pediatricians and advanced practice nurses in New Jersey, particularly in community and primary care settings.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pediatric behavioral care access by enabling general pediatricians and advanced practice nurses to treat low-acuity issues, improving mental health service availability without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4201: Directs DOLWD to establish advertising campaign to attract candidates to health care professions; appropriates $1 million.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a multimedia advertising campaign promoting healthcare careers as engaging and rewarding, while highlighting available scholarships and financial support. The campaign must target underrepresented racial groups and high-demand healthcare fields, using digital, TV, radio, and print media. It appropriates $1 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover the campaign's costs, with the DOLWD working alongside the Departments of Health and Human Services. The goal is to address healthcare workforce shortages, particularly those exacerbated during the pandemic.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill appropriates $1M to fund advertising campaign promoting healthcare careers, targeting workforce shortages and underrepresented groups, directly advancing healthcare workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3022: Establishes "Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act."

This bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and state developmental/psychiatric facilities in New Jersey. It requires the Department of Health to adopt regulations setting specific ratios, such as one registered nurse for every four patients on medical-surgical units or one nurse for every two patients in critical care units. The law explicitly states these ratios must not reduce existing staffing levels and emphasizes that safe staffing includes all healthcare workers, not just nurses. The bill directly affects healthcare facilities by mandating these staffing standards to improve patient safety and reduce nurse burnout.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates minimum nurse-to-patient ratios to ensure safe staffing, directly protecting patient safety and quality of care in healthcare facilities.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentSets mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios to improve workplace safety, directly advancing labor protections for healthcare workers in employment settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1909: Establishes program for recruitment, training, and retention of health care professionals in veterans memorial homes; appropriates $370,000.

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program to address staffing shortages at New Jersey's veterans memorial homes (Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland). It directly affects nurses and healthcare staff by offering education reimbursement for current employees pursuing licenses (e.g., LPN, RN) and providing recruitment bonuses of up to $6,000 for new hires. Key mechanisms include reimbursing tuition costs (capped at $7,500/semester) with a two-year work commitment after graduation, and allocating $120,000 for recruitment bonuses. The program appropriates $370,000 total from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund, requiring annual reports on participation and outcomes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds healthcare staff recruitment/training via tuition reimbursement ($7,500/semester) and $6,000 bonuses, directly strengthening workforce at veterans' healthcare facilities.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides education reimbursement ($7,500/semester) and recruitment bonuses ($6,000) to retain healthcare staff, directly advancing employment conditions and workforce development in healthcare.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill directly funds recruitment/training for healthcare staff at veterans memorial homes, improving veteran healthcare access and staffing through tuition reimbursement and bonuses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Workforce Development Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2470: Directs DOH to develop standardized perinatal health curriculum for community health workers.

New Jersey's S 2470 requires the Department of Health to create a standardized curriculum for community health workers who support women of childbearing age. The curriculum covers critical topics like maternal health conditions, infant mortality risks, breastfeeding, perinatal mood disorders, substance use during pregnancy, and state resources for referrals. It mandates including practical elements such as shared decision-making and informed consent. The Department may use existing resources from other states, federal agencies, or health organizations. This curriculum will be promoted as best practice for doulas, nurse home visitors, and childbirth educators statewide.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates standardized perinatal curriculum for community health workers, advancing maternal health services and public health programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 2, 2026

S 1123: Requires portable anti-choking devices be placed in schools.

New Jersey's S 1123 requires all public and nonpublic schools to have at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (a suction-based airway-clearing tool) available in cafeterias, school nurse offices, and similar locations during school hours and events. The devices must be unlocked, easily accessible, and marked with clear signage. Schools must train all nurses and staff in airway management and device use, while the state will reimburse schools for related costs. This bill directly affects school districts and nonpublic schools across New Jersey, aiming to improve emergency response to choking incidents.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires safety devices and staff training in schools, enhancing student safety infrastructure per education topic definition.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates anti-choking devices and staff training in schools for emergency airway management, directly advancing public health safety protocols.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2857: Permits certified nurse aides to be employed as personal care assistants.

This bill (S 2857) allows licensed New Jersey health care facilities to employ certified or conditionally certified nurse aides (CNAs) as personal care assistants. It removes current restrictions preventing CNAs from working in this specific role within licensed facilities. The change takes effect immediately upon passage, directly affecting CNAs seeking these positions and facilities needing to fill personal care assistant roles. The law does not alter CNA training requirements or create new funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves restriction on CNAs working as personal care assistants in healthcare facilities, expanding workforce capacity for patient care services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 485: Allows certification of orthopedic assistants.

S 485 creates a certification process for orthopedic assistants in New Jersey, directly affecting individuals seeking to practice in this role. The bill establishes that orthopedic assistants must pass a national certification exam (NBCOPA), complete required training, and obtain committee approval to practice. It defines their scope of practice - including assisting in surgery, applying casts, and documenting patient care - while requiring continuous supervision by an orthopedic physician. The law prohibits using the title "orthopedic assistant" or related initials without valid certification and mandates renewal every two years.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates certification standards for orthopedic assistants, enabling qualified professionals to practice under physician supervision, improving access to specialized healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2729: Creates Midwifery Licensing Act; modifies regulation of midwifery.

S 2729, the Midwifery Licensing Act, creates a new State Board of Midwives to regulate midwifery practice in New Jersey, replacing the current system where midwifery was overseen by the State Board of Medical Examiners. The bill establishes an 11-member board with specific representation requirements, including seven midwives (with defined categories), two physicians (OB/GYN and pediatrics), a public member, and an executive branch representative. This legislation directly affects licensed midwives - certified midwives (CM), certified nurse midwives (CNM), and certified professional midwives (CPM) - by shifting their regulatory oversight to a dedicated board. The key policy change is the creation of a specialized licensing framework to modernize midwifery regulation, as the current statutes governing midwifery are described as outdated.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates dedicated regulatory board for midwifery, strengthening oversight of healthcare services and improving standards for maternal care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2639: Permits nursing services in nonpublic schools to be delivered by licensed medical professionals, including licensed practical nurses.

This bill amends New Jersey law to allow licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and other licensed medical professionals to provide nursing services in nonpublic schools, expanding beyond the previous requirement that only registered nurses could deliver these services. It directly affects nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) and their nursing staff by permitting LPNs to conduct required services such as dental screenings, hearing exams, scoliosis screenings for students aged 10-18, and maintaining health records. The bill maintains existing requirements for specific health services while updating who can deliver them, ensuring services align with each professional’s scope of practice. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands school health access by permitting LPNs for screenings, increasing provider availability for student health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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