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Bill

A 1165

Relates to prohibited hospital interference with patient care

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Didi Barrett and 24 co-sponsors

Creates a 3-year pilot in public elementary wellness programs using certified therapy dogs to evaluate impacts on attendance, engagement, and health outcomes.

PRINT NUMBER 1165A
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Bill Summary · A 1165

Summary — A1165 (Print No. 1165A)

Title: Relates to prohibited hospital interference with patient care — (bill text establishes a Department of Education pilot on use of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs)

Note: Although the title references hospitals, the bill text actually establishes a pilot program for therapy dogs in elementary school wellness programs.

Main purpose

Establish a three‑year pilot program in the New Jersey Department of Education to evaluate academic and health benefits associated with using certified therapy dogs as part of public elementary school wellness activities.

Key provisions

  • Pilot length: 3 school years.
  • Participation: School districts must apply to the Commissioner of Education to participate.
    • Required application elements: number of elementary schools in the district; student enrollment per elementary school; information on student participation in school wellness programs; and a description of how the district plans to use therapy dogs to promote student wellness.
  • Selection criteria: The commissioner will select two districts from each of the State’s southern, central, and northern regions (six districts total), seeking a cross‑section that includes urban, suburban, and rural districts.
  • Guidance to pilot districts: The Department will provide guidance including:
    • Examples of student activities with therapy dogs;
    • Recommended training requirements for therapy dog handlers;
    • Recommended measures to evaluate therapy dogs’ health and appropriate behavior;
    • Insurance considerations for having therapy dogs on school property.
  • Reporting requirement: No later than June 30 of the third school year after the program’s establishment, the Commissioner must report to the Governor and Legislature evaluating the pilot’s effectiveness in improving academic performance and student health outcomes.
  • Effective date: Immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Participating public elementary school districts, their students, staff, and families.
  • Therapy dog handlers and animal‑assisted therapy providers.
  • School districts’ liability/insurance arrangements.
  • Department of Education staff who will administer the pilot and prepare the final evaluation.

Legislative/procedural status (selected)

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024 (Referred to Assembly committees)
  • Print No.: 1165A issued February 18, 2025
  • Committee actions: Reported by Assembly Health Committee; referred to Assembly Education Committee (reported Nov. 24, 2025).
  • Primary sponsor: Assemblywoman Amy Paulin; numerous cosponsors.
  • Related/companion bills: S1253; S2165; prior-session A5297.

Potential impact

The bill creates a structured, limited pilot to collect evidence on whether therapy dogs in elementary wellness programs can improve attendance, engagement, confidence, reading/writing skills, or health outcomes. It does not mandate statewide deployment; rather, it supports controlled evaluation, establishes guidance, and addresses training and insurance considerations before broader policy decisions.

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

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