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Bill

A 5416

Relates to enacting the "books save lives act"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phara Souffrant Forrest

Medications in day programs and community-based homes must be given only by a nurse or CMA under direct nurse supervision, with guardian-provided, updated med instructions.

REFERRED TO LIBRARIES AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
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Bill Summary · A 5416

Summary of A-5416: "Books Save Lives Act" (Introduced March 6, 2025)

Note: The bill text provided focuses on medication administration in certain residential facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities, not on books. The title may reflect a broader legislative package or a naming choice; the substantive provisions relate to medication management practices.

Overview

  • Bill: A-5416
  • Title (per text): Relates to enacting the "books save lives act" (contents relate to medication administration)
  • Purpose: Establish standards for who may administer medications in specific day programs and community-based residential programs, and set requirements for documentation when individuals are supervised by a parent or guardian.
  • Status: Referred to Libraries and Education Technology (as of the provided record)
  • Introduced: March 6, 2025
  • Sponsor: Phara Souffrant Forrest (primary)
  • Related bill: S-4700 (companion)

Key Provisions

1) Defined terms

The bill provides explicit definitions to ground its provisions:
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA): Credentialed by the Department of Health.
- Community-based residential program: Group home or supervised apartment licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS).
- Day program: Certified to provide day habilitation services or sheltered workshops for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Developmental disability: As defined in statute (C.30:6D-3).
- Group home: A licensed residence where individuals with developmental disabilities live together with staff supervision and assistance.
- Licensee: Entity licensed by DHS responsible for operations.
- Nurse: Registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
- Supervised apartment: An apartment with staff supervision for individuals with developmental disabilities.

2) Medication administration requirements

  • 2a. Prospective rule: No medication may be administered through a day program or a community-based residential program unless it is administered by a nurse or by a CMA who works under the direct supervision of a nurse.
  • 2b. Admissions under guardian supervision: If an individual is under the supervision of a parent/guardian and requires administration/management by a nurse or CMA under direct supervision, the individual shall not be admitted unless the parent/guardian provides the program’s chief nurse with comprehensive and specific medication instructions and dosages for the individual.
  • 2c. Ongoing participation under guardian supervision: For individuals already admitted under guardian supervision who require nurse or CMA-administered medications under direct supervision, continued participation requires the parent/guardian to provide the program’s chief nurse with updated, comprehensive medication instructions and dosages whenever a health care professional changes the medication or dosage.

3) Regulatory authority

  • The Department of Human Services may adopt rules and regulations (per the Administrative Procedure Act) as needed to implement the act.

4) Effective date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Likely Impact and Who Is Affected

  • Affected entities: Day programs and community-based residential programs (group homes and supervised apartments) licensed by DHS, as well as the individuals with developmental disabilities residing or participating in these settings, their parents or guardians, nurses, and certified medication aides.
  • Operational impact: Facilities must ensure meds are administered only by a nurse or CMA under direct nurse supervision; admissions and continued participation require guardian-provided, detailed medication documentation; changes in medication or dosage require updated documentation to be provided to the chief nurse.
  • Administrative impact: Increased documentation requirements for admissions and ongoing care; potential impact on intake processes and health-record management.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Legislative actions show initial referrals in February 2025 and official introduction in March 2025, with assignment to Assembly Health Committee noted in the record.
  • DoH rulemaking authority is provided to implement the act.
  • Immediate effect means provisions would apply upon enactment; regulatory rules would follow per APA.

Additional Context

  • The bill’s companion is S-4700.
  • This measure appears centered on safeguarding medication administration practices in settings serving individuals with developmental disabilities, emphasizing direct nurse supervision and guardian-provided prescription documentation.

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

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