ASSEMBLY AGING AND SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

ASSEMBLY, No. 2649

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  JUNE 2, 2021

 

      The Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2649.

     This bill requires the Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services, to establish a training program for nursing home staff in the care of residents who have behavioral health issues.

     The training program would include, but not be limited to: sensitivity to behavioral health issues among residents of nursing homes; information about depression and other psychiatric disorders, as appropriate; and the use of medication to treat those disorders. The bill requires nursing homes to provide the training annually to certified nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, registered professional nurses, and other health care professionals who provide direct care to nursing home residents.