NJ A966

Requires all licensed hospitals in New Jersey to establish nurse staffing committees as a condition of licensure, with at least 55% of members being registered nurses providing direct patient care and no more than 45% being hospital administrative staff

Nurse staffing committees must develop annual patient care unit and shift-based staffing plans that establish upwardly adjustable minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, considering factors such as patient census, care intensity, skill mix, staff experience, and facility layout

Hospitals must post the adopted nurse staffing plan and current staffing levels in public areas on each patient care unit and make this information available to patients and visitors upon request

The Department of Health may investigate unresolved complaints showing a continuing pattern of violations for at least 60 days, and hospitals that fail to submit or follow corrective action plans face civil penalties of $1,000 per day

Hospitals are prohibited from retaliating against employees who participate in nurse staffing committees or anyone who reports concerns about nurse staffing to the committee, hospital administration, or the Department of Health