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Bill > A6223


NJ A6223

NJ A6223
Requires DOH approval for adverse possessory action against hospitals.


summary

Introduced
12/13/2021
In Committee
12/13/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022

Introduced Session

2020-2021 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits landlords from initiating adverse possessory actions against an operator of a hospital, or a successor to the operator, without first obtaining written approval for the action from the department. An adverse possessory action initiated without the written approval of the department will be deemed invalid. The department is to establish a process for landlords to submit requests to initiate adverse possessory actions, and will have the authority to approve requests upon finding that just cause exists for the adverse possessory action. A landlord that initiates an adverse possessory action against an operator or successor without written approval by the department will be liable to a civil penalty of up to $1,000,000. The department shall also suspend or revoke any license or permit granted by the department to the landlord due to violation of the act. To the extent an adverse possessory action taken without department approval results in the loss of revenue to a hospital, the operator or successor, as applicable, shall be entitled to financial recovery from the landlord to the extent necessary to place the hospital in as good a position as if such adverse possessory action had not occurred, as determined by court appointed arbitration. A landlord that willfully violates this act in a manner which results in the closure of a hospital or that interferes with the transition of the maintenance, supervision, or operation of a hospital from an operator to a successor as approved by the department, shall be subject to criminal penalties imposed for disorderly persons offenses.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits landlords from initiating adverse possessory actions, such as terminating a lease or evicting the operator, against a hospital without first obtaining written approval from the Department of Health (DOH). The DOH can approve such actions upon finding just cause. The bill also grants successors to the hospital operator the same lease rights as the original operator. Landlords who violate the law face civil penalties of up to $1 million, suspension or revocation of their DOH licenses, and potential criminal penalties if their actions result in a hospital closure or interfere with an operator transition. The bill aims to protect hospitals and ensure continuity of healthcare services for patients in New Jersey.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 12/13/2021)

bill text


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