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Bill

A 4654

Regulates medication administration in certain licensed, residential facilities.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Chris DePhillips and 3 co-sponsors

Medications in day programs and CBCRPs must be given only by a nurse or under nurse supervision by a certified medication aide, with strict ongoing documentation.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4654

Bill Summary: A-4654 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Title

Regulates medication administration in certain licensed, residential facilities.

Purpose and Intent

This act establishes requirements to govern how medications are administered within day programs and community-based residential programs (CBRPs) that serve individuals with developmental disabilities. The goal is to ensure medications are administered by qualified personnel under appropriate supervision, and to provide clear medical documentation when individuals require supervision by a nurse or certified medication aide.

Key Definitions

  • Certified medication aide (CMA): An individual credentialed by the Department of Health to administer medications.
  • Community-based residential program (CBRP): A group home or supervised apartment licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services.
  • Day program: A program certified to provide day habilitation services or sheltered workshops for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Developmental disability: As defined in statute (per existing definitions).
  • Group home: A residence operated by a licensee for individuals with developmental disabilities, with staff providing supervision and assistance.
  • Licensee: An entity licensed by DHS to operate a CBRP.
  • Nurse: A registered professional nurse.

Core Provisions

1) Medication Administration Requirements

  • No medication may be administered in a day program or CBRP unless:
    • It is administered by a nurse, or
    • It is administered by a certified medication aide who works under the supervision of a nurse.

2) Documentation for Individuals Under Guardian Supervision

  • If an individual is under the supervision of a parent/guardian and requires administration/management by a nurse or CMA under supervision:
    • The individual shall not be admitted to a day program or CBRP without the parent/guardian providing the program’s Chief Nurse with comprehensive, specific medication instructions and dosages for the individual.

3) Ongoing Documentation for Current Participants

  • For individuals already admitted to a day program or CBRP who require CMA (under nurse supervision) administration:
    • As a condition of continued participation, the parent/guardian must provide the Chief Nurse with comprehensive, specific medication instructions and dosages whenever a medication or dosage is changed by a health care professional.

4) Implementation

  • The Department of Human Services may adopt rules and regulations, under the Administrative Procedure Act, to effectuate the act.

5) Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who Is Affected

  • Individuals with developmental disabilities enrolled in day programs or CBRPs (group homes or supervised apartments) licensed by DHS.
  • Families/guardians who supervise or manage their loved one’s medications.
  • Nurses and certified medication aides who administer medications under nurse supervision.
  • Day programs and CBRPs’ administrative leadership (chief nurses) responsible for maintaining medication documentation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill contains an open rulemaking authority for DHS to adopt implementing regulations.
  • Immediate effect upon enactment; no phased start date noted in the bill text.

Practical Impact

  • Strengthens oversight and safety in medication administration in residential and day-program settings.
  • Creates a gatekeeping process for admissions and continued participation based on medical documentation.
  • Requires consistent, up-to-date medication instructions whenever changes occur, reducing the risk of errors.

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

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