NJ A2309

Creates a Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Workforce Engagement and Sustainability Program within the Department of Health to increase the supply of direct care workers in institutional and community-based settings

Requires periodic review of Medicaid payment policies' impact on LTSS workers' compensation and identification of federal COVID-19 funds for pandemic worker bonuses

Mandates development of unified training curricula, hybrid online credentialing programs with ESL accommodations, additional testing sites, and streamlined out-of-state reciprocity processes for direct care workers

Directs DOH to provide tuition assistance, scholarships, and loan forgiveness for LTSS workers, create career advancement incentives, and allow certified medication aides to work in nursing homes

Requires collaboration with Department of Education to establish high school credit programs and encourage medical education institutions to include LTSS clinical rotations and geriatric/palliative medicine curricula, with annual implementation reports to the Governor and Legislature