AARP New Jersey Applauds Governor Murphy for Enacting Additional Long-Term Care Reform Bills

AARP New Jersey Applauds Governor Murphy for Enacting Additional Long-Term Care Reform Bills

Urges New Jersey Legislature to Pass Remaining Bills to Protect Long-Term Care Residents and Staff

Statement from AARP New Jersey State Director Stephanie Hunsinger

NEW BRUNSWICK (Oct. 23, 2020) – “We applaud Governor Murphy for enacting two bills today to reform long-term care facilities. In addition to the long-term care reform bills Governor Murphy signed last month, these significant pieces of legislation will help protect residents and staff in nursing homes and long-term care facilities in the Garden State.

“For a number of years, AARP New Jersey has been fighting to improve the minimum staff-to-resident ratio in long-term care facilities. With issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, AARP New Jersey has continued to advocate for legislation to improve staffing ratios. We applaud Governor Murphy for enacting A4652/S2712, which establishes mandatory minimum staffing levels to help ensure better quality of care for nursing home residents.

“In addition to improved staffing levels for residents, we are pleased Governor Murphy has enacted A4007/S2785, a bill to implement an isolation prevention program in long-term care facilities, require virtual visitation in long-term care facilities when in-person visitation is suspended, and ensure adequate communications between facilities, residents and their families. For too many long-term care residents, it has been seven months since they have seen the faces of those most dear to them. Social isolation is a serious health condition and has put our loved ones at risk.

“It is a tragedy that more than 7,100 residents and staff have died in New Jersey nursing homes and other long-term care facilities due to COVID-19. This is a catastrophe that should never have happened. As cases continue to rise, we must ensure this never happens again. These bills implement measures that are necessary to protect residents, keep families connected and save lives.

“We commend Governor Murphy for passing these critical pieces of legislation. We urge the New Jersey Legislature to pass the remaining long-term care reform bills, including bills that improve transparency and accountability, provide paid sick days to per-diem employees in long-term care, and dedicate personal protective equipment to long-term care facilities in a public health emergency.

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About AARP New Jersey 
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP New Jersey educates and advocates on behalf of those 50 and older on issues that are important to them, their families and to all Garden State residents. The organization works to strengthen New Jersey communities with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/nj or follow @AARPNJ on social media.