Bill
Bill > S3976
NJ S3976
NJ S3976Prohibits hospital, during public health emergency or critical staffing shortage, to rely exclusively on vendor management systems.
summary
Introduced
03/19/2026
03/19/2026
In Committee
03/19/2026
03/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits a hospital licensed in this State, during a public health emergency or a hospital-specific critical staffing shortage, from exclusively relying on a vendor management system for the procurement of third-party staff. Under these conditions, the bill requires a hospital to demonstrate a good faith effort in utilizing all available methods of procuring third-party staff, including contracting directly with staffing agencies authorized to operate in the State, to remedy any staffing shortages at the hospital. Under the bill, a "vendor management system" means a specialized software platform or programmatic approach designed to centralize the procurement, credentialing, and compliance management of third-party vendors and contingent staff, such as travel nurses or technicians. The bill directs the Department of Health to ensure, by means of its periodic inspection of a hospital and information posted by a hospital pursuant to State law, that a hospital subject to the bill is in compliance with these provisions. A hospital that fails to comply with these provisions would be liable to a penalty, in accordance with State law, as assessed and collected by the Department of Health.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits hospitals, during a declared public health emergency or when facing a critical staffing shortage, from solely relying on a vendor management system, which is defined as a software platform used to manage outside vendors and temporary staff like travel nurses, for hiring third-party workers. Instead, hospitals must actively try to hire staff through all available means, including directly contracting with licensed staffing agencies, to address any shortages. The Department of Health will oversee compliance through inspections and hospital-posted information, and non-compliant hospitals will face penalties. The bill also clarifies that it does not change existing laws on vendor credentialing and compliance.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 03/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3976 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4000/3976_I1.HTM |
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