NJ A1659

Establishes a program through the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN) to provide up to $4 million annually in financial and technical support to healthcare facilities implementing 12-month residency programs for licensed practical nurses and registered professional nurses

Requires all hospitals to establish Nurse Workplace Environment and Staffing Councils with at least 51% membership of direct care registered nurses to develop annual staffing plans and create healthy work environments

Creates a $25 million Nursing School Expansion Grant Program administered by the NJ Economic Development Authority to help nursing education programs increase enrollment capacity and diversity

Transfers oversight of certified nurse aides from the Department of Health to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, effective 19 months after enactment, including criminal background check requirements and certification registry maintenance

Establishes a $1,000 gross income tax credit (capped at $10 million annually) for preceptors who supervise advanced practice nursing students for at least 100 clinical hours, and appropriates $1.2 million for nurse mental health support services including a 24/7 peer support helpline