NJ A434

Establishes the "New Jersey Pandemic Bill of Rights for the Welfare of Individuals" to protect citizens during pandemics, infectious disease outbreaks, or declared public health emergencies

Guarantees nursing home and long-term care facility residents protection against infectious diseases, citing that these vulnerable populations accounted for up to 30% of COVID-19 deaths in the state

Ensures patients cannot be released from healthcare facilities without knowing their infectious disease test results, and guarantees adequate staffing, nourishment, medical care, physical therapy, and family visitation rights

Protects individuals' legal and medical directives, including do-not-resuscitate orders, from government interference during health emergencies

Designates attorneys as essential workers with offices required to remain open during emergencies, and requires the Commissioner of Health to publish these rights on the Department of Health website and in all healthcare facilities