Bill > A2227

Introduced Session

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

Shanique Speight (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document