NJ A3683

Establishes mandatory minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in New Jersey hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities, ranging from 1:1 in operating rooms and trauma units to 1:6 in mothers-only and well-baby nursery units

Requires unlicensed assistive personnel staffing ratios of 1:7 patients during day shifts and 1:11 patients during night shifts across all patient units

Mandates hospitals employ an acuity and staffing system to increase staffing above minimums based on patient classification, nurse specialty standards, and skill mix, with approval from unit staff nurses or collective bargaining agents

Authorizes the Department of Health to investigate complaints and impose civil penalties for violations: warning for first offense, up to $1,750 for second offense, $2,500 for third, and $5,000 for fourth or subsequent offenses within a four-year period

Creates the Patient Protection and Staffing Fund from collected penalties to fund additional health inspectors, nursing recruitment programs, student loan forgiveness for nursing students, and increased pay for nursing educators