NJ A2791

Requires the Department of Health to contract with an independent third party panel of three objective individuals to conduct informal dispute resolution hearings when healthcare facilities object to deficiencies cited during inspections

Applies to nursing homes, assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes, residential health care facilities, and dementia care homes licensed by DOH

Panel members must have no official or professional affiliation with either the Department of Health or the facility requesting the hearing, and must be knowledgeable about the survey and inspection process

The independent panel determines whether disputed deficiencies should be upheld, deleted, or modified, though the Commissioner of Health retains authority to concur with, overrule, or modify panel determinations

Takes effect 180 days after enactment, with funding drawn from the Department of Health budget