NJ A1871

Creates a legal cause of action for residents of assisted living facilities and comprehensive personal care homes whose rights are violated under existing state law

Allows lawsuits to be filed in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce resident rights and recover both actual and punitive damages

Entitles prevailing plaintiffs to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs of the legal action

Existing resident rights include protection from physical and mental abuse, the right to privacy, choice of physician, freedom from restraints except when medically authorized, and the right to participate in care planning