NJ A5137

Establishes the Direct Care Worker Support Program in the Department of Health to assist direct support professionals, certified homemaker-home health aides, and certified nurse aides with childcare and transportation expenses

Requires the Commissioner of Health to develop eligibility criteria and an application process for direct care workers seeking financial assistance through the program

Mandates a study examining wages and wage gaps between different types of direct care workers, with a written report due to the Governor and Legislature within one year

Report must include findings and recommendations for administrative or legislative action to increase wages or promote fair compensation for direct care workers

Appropriates funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health as necessary to implement the program