ASSEMBLY AGING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4451

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 13, 2025

      The Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 4451.

      This bill, as amended, establishes the 17-member Task Force on Aging in New Jersey in the Department of Health.  The task force is established to study the State resources available for older residents of the State and to identify, prioritize, and make recommendations on ways to improve the services needed to support an aging population so that individuals may grow old with dignity and independence.

      The task force is to consist of the following members:  the Commissioners of Health and of Human Services, the Public Guardian, and the New Jersey Long Term Care Ombudsman, or their designees, who are to serve ex-officio; four public members appointed by the Governor, two to be appointed on recommendation of the Senate President and two to be appointed on recommendation of the Speaker of the General Assembly, who represent organizations that advocate for the aging community or provide programs or services to senior citizens; and nine public members, including, representatives of various organizations that advocate for older adults, a health care provider specializing in geriatric services, a family caregiver, an individual 65 years of age or older who lives in a long-term care facility, and an individual who is 65 years of age or older living at home.

      The duties of the task force are to:  (1) review all policies, procedures, programs, and practices relating to the provision of services to the older residents of New Jersey by State, county, and municipal agencies and for community-based organizations; (2) study, analyze, and monitor information and data collected by State agencies and community-based organizations relating to the aging process and the needs of the older residents of New Jersey; (3) examine State activities, processes, and strategies that support family caregivers of older adults; (4) evaluate State policies and procedures that support quality of care in long-term care facilities; (5) establish an educational program to inform senior citizens about consumer rights, social isolation and loneliness, elder abuse, elder theft and scams, the availability of affordable, quality housing options, transportation services, and other issues that affect the quality of life of older New Jerseyans; and (6) ensure all State policies relating to aging are inclusive of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and other characteristics that reflect the State’s population.

      Under the bill’s provisions, the task force is also to issue a report of its recommendations to the Governor and Legislature no later than 18 months after the organization of the task force and biennially thereafter, with any new or updated recommendations.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to:

      (1)  correct the name of the Center for Healthy Aging Research at Rutgers University; and  

      (2)  make certain technical corrections.