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Bill

A 377

Increases regulation of State veterans' memorial homes.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 4 co-sponsors

The bill tightens oversight and requires infection control, annual audits, unannounced inspections, and clinically experienced leadership at New Jersey’s three state veterans’ memo

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 377

Summary of Bill A-377 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and Intent

  • This bill seeks to tighten and standardize regulation of the three State veterans’ memorial homes in New Jersey by expanding health and safety requirements, oversight, and accountability. It aims to ensure stronger infection control, staff training, financial scrutiny, and regular unannounced inspections.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Clarification of Oversight

    • The Division of Veterans' Healthcare Services will continue to supervise and operate the three State veterans’ memorial homes:
      • New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home – Menlo Park
      • New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home – Vineland
      • New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home – Paramus

  2. Staffing Requirements

    • Administrators and at least one assistant administrator at each memorial home must have prior experience in a clinical setting, including training or expertise in long-term care treatment.

  3. Enhanced Health and Safety Requirements

    • The Department of Health and the Division of Veterans' Healthcare Services must:
      • (1) Require each memorial home to develop and implement an infection control and outbreak response plan.
      • (2) Require all memorial home staff to receive adequate training on:
      • Hand hygiene
      • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
      • Environmental cleaning
      • Infection control
      • Outbreak management
      • (3) Conduct an annual financial audit of each memorial home.
      • (4) Perform at least one unannounced inspection of each memorial home every year to verify compliance with the bill’s provisions.

  4. Definitions

    • The bill defines “clinical” as relating to observation, diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of individuals in clinical settings (hospitals, long-term care facilities, etc.), excluding research.
    • The bill defines “personal protective equipment” (PPE) to include items such as disinfecting wipes, disposable gloves, disposable gowns, face shields, N95 masks, surgical masks, or parts thereof.

  5. Effective Date

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected Parties

  • State veterans’ memorial homes: Menlo Park, Vineland, Paramus.
  • Departments/Agencies: New Jersey Department of Health and the Division of Veterans' Healthcare Services.
  • Staff and administrators: All employees and leadership at the three homes, particularly those in clinical or supervisory roles.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Intro and Referral: Introduced January 13, 2026; referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  • Effective Date: Immediate upon enactment (no phase-in described).

Potential Impact

  • Higher compliance standards for infection control and outbreak management across the memorial homes.
  • Increased staff capabilities and leadership with clinical experience.
  • Greater financial oversight through annual audits and unannounced inspections, potentially improving accountability and resident care quality.
  • Clear, codified definitions of clinical scope and PPE to guide operations and inspections.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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