NJ S2814

Long-term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living residences, dementia care homes) must allow residents to designate at least two "essential caregivers" who can visit in-person during declared emergencies, disease outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics.

Essential caregivers can be any person chosen by the resident or their legal representative—including family members, friends, religious advisors, or guardians—with no eligibility requirements or criteria for designation.

Facilities must post essential caregiver rights and designation processes on their websites and provide written notification to residents and their representatives.

Essential caregivers cannot be subjected to stricter infection control protocols than facility employees, and their visitation can only be restricted or revoked if they violate the facility's written visitation policies.

The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment, with the Department of Health responsible for enforcement and compliance monitoring.