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Bill > A5136


NJ A5136

NJ A5136
Provides incentives for certified nurse aides and nursing students to work as direct support professionals; makes appropriation.


summary

Introduced
12/16/2024
In Committee
12/16/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill provides incentives for certified nurse aides and nursing students to work as direct support professionals. The bill establishes a certified nurse aide funding program in the Department of Health (DOH) to distribute monies to employers of certified nurse aides, who provide direct support professional services under the employer, in an amount that is necessary to compensate the certified nurse aide for work as a direct support professional at the pay rate equal to the pay rate typically paid for certified nurse aide services, as determined by the DOH. The Commissioner of Health will establish an application process, guidelines, and compliance standards for the certified nurse aide funding program. Under the bill, the New Jersey Board of Nursing (board) will require schools of nursing approved by the board to grant a nursing student, who works as a direct support professional, academic credit towards the student's nursing degree for the student's experience as a direct support professional. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of Health such funds as are necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a certified nurse aide (CNA) funding program designed to incentivize CNAs and nursing students to work as direct support professionals (DSPs). The Department of Health will distribute funds to employers to compensate CNAs working as DSPs at rates comparable to their typical nursing service pay rates. The funding aims to encourage CNAs to take on DSP roles by providing financial incentives. Additionally, the New Jersey Board of Nursing will require approved nursing schools to grant academic credit to nursing students who work as DSPs, recognizing their professional experience as part of their educational journey. The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Health and the Board of Nursing to create necessary rules and regulations to implement the program and appropriates funds from the General Fund to support these initiatives. The goal is to address workforce challenges in healthcare by creating pathways and incentives for CNAs and nursing students to work in direct support roles, which are critical for providing care to individuals with specialized needs.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 12/16/2024)

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