NJ A3116

Establishes a nurse aide workforce development program under the Department of Health to educate the public on benefits of nurse aide certification and pathways to become certified at no cost through long-term care facility employment.

Creates a one-year pilot program beginning three months after enactment to reimburse nurse aide students up to 25% of training course costs upon completion of a department-approved program.

Requires the Department of Health to develop educational materials and a dedicated website with information on certification requirements, training programs, application processes, and cost reimbursement options.

Informs the public that nurse aides employed by or with job offers from long-term care facilities cannot be charged for competency evaluations, textbooks, or course materials, and cannot be required to repay training costs upon termination.

The act takes effect immediately and expires 365 days after the pilot program commences, with funding subject to appropriations and potential grants from federal, private, or higher education sources.