ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 964

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 18, 2026

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 964.

      This bill establishes the Nursing Home Emergency Preparedness Study Commission (commission).  The purpose of the commission is to analyze the ability of nursing homes to respond to public health emergencies.  Specifically, the commission is to analyze whether nursing homes generally maintain traditional nursing home environments or whether nursing homes generally maintain assisted living environments; examine policies and procedures established by nursing homes in the event of a declared state of emergency or a public health emergency; analyze whether nursing homes have a sufficient number of staff to meet residents’ needs during a declared state of emergency or a public health emergency; examine whether nursing homes are sufficiently funded to meet residents’ needs during a declared state of emergency or a public health emergency; and make recommendations as to how nursing homes may better meet residents’ needs in the event of a declared state of emergency or a public health emergency.

      The bill provides that the commission is to consist of 15 members as follows:  (1) the Commissioner of Human Services, or the commissioner’s designee; (2) the Commissioner of Health, or the commissioner’s designee; (3) a representative from the New Jersey Hospital Association; (4) eight members of the public with significant operational, financial, or managerial expertise in the nursing home industry, five of whom are to be representatives of entities currently operating one or more nursing homes in the State, to be appointed as follows: two members to be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; two members to be appointed by the President of the Senate; two members to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly; and two members to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; and (5) four members of the public to be appointed by the Governor, who have a family member residing in a nursing home, and with at least one member from the northern, central, and southern regions of the State.

      Not later than 12 months after the initial meeting of the commission, it is to prepare and submit a written report to the Governor, and to the Legislature presenting its analysis of the current state of nursing homes in the State.  The commission is to expire on the first day of the third month following the submission of its written report to the Governor and Legislature.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.