NJ A4578

Department of Health must submit a comprehensive plan to invest in New Jersey's public health system to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of the bill's effective date

The plan must summarize existing policies and recommend new initiatives to strengthen public health infrastructure, develop the workforce, address health equity, and improve public health messaging and trust

Required recommendations include increasing funding for healthcare access, building a diverse healthcare workforce, expanding educational pathways into healthcare careers, and establishing career ladders in public health roles

The plan must address training and wages for homecare workers, expand scope of practice for credentials, improve interstate collaboration during emergencies, and develop culturally sensitive community health interventions

Development of the plan requires input from local health departments, healthcare providers, community organizations, and academic institutions across the state