NEW JERSEY – The Senate Labor Committee cleared bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would bolster employment in New Jersey’s healthcare industry.
“Healthcare professionals have endured disproportionate mental and physical strain amidst ongoing staffing shortages stemming from pandemic-induced challenges. The diminished presence of essential healthcare workers is concerning, especially now, during a time when New Jersey is not viewed as being adequately prepared to handle another large-scale health crisis,” said Bucco (R-25). “A resilient healthcare industry is vital for safeguarding the well-being of all New Jerseyans. This bipartisan legislation would establish a program to help address worker shortages at hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the State.”
The bipartisan bill, S-1472, would:
- Require the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to work in consultation with the Department of Health and healthcare stakeholders to establish a program and standards to identify, recruit, and train unemployed individuals to work in healthcare facilities.
- Stipulate that the established program considers the practicality of training certain individuals by considering the candidate’s ability to travel to and from work, as well as other potential barriers to employment.
