NJ A1974

Establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for New Jersey hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities, including 1:4 for medical/surgical units, 1:2 for critical care/ICU, 1:3 for labor and delivery, and 1:1 for patients under anesthesia in operating rooms.

Sets unlicensed assistive personnel ratios at 1:7 patients for day shifts and 1:11 patients for night shifts across all patient units.

Requires hospitals to implement an acuity and staffing system, approved by the Commissioner of Health, to increase staffing above minimum levels based on patient needs, with input from unit nurses or their collective bargaining representatives.

Creates an enforcement mechanism allowing nurses, staff, union representatives, or the public to file complaints within 60 days of alleged violations, with investigations to be completed within 60 days and civil penalties ranging from warnings to $5,000 for repeat offenses.

Establishes the Patient Protection and Staffing Fund to receive penalty payments, with funds dedicated to hiring more inspectors, nursing recruitment programs, student loan forgiveness for nurses, and pay increases for nursing faculty.