NJ A3345

Directs the New Jersey Department of Health to encourage health care facilities, pediatricians, family practice physicians, and other licensed health care professionals to implement a "Reach Out and Read Program" promoting early literacy for children aged six months to five years during well-child visits.

Program goals include encouraging parents to engage in shared-reading activities with children, developing children's language, social, and emotional skills, and enhancing parent-child relationships.

DOH must prepare and distribute information about the national Reach Out and Read Program both in print and on its website, and post a link to the online application for becoming a program site.

Applies to health care facilities licensed under state law, including general hospitals, special hospitals, public health centers, maternity hospitals, and birthing facilities.

Takes effect on the first day of the third month following enactment.