ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5178

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 25, 2021

      The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5178.

This bill would require the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to submit an annual report to the oversight board of each veterans’ facility.  The report would summarize the office’s activities relating to the care and quality of life at veterans’ facilities for the previous fiscal year, document significant problems in the system of care and services at veterans’ facilities, indicate and analyze trends in the system of care and services at veterans’ facilities, and set forth any opinions or recommendations which will further the State's capacity in resolving complaints, encouraging quality care and ensuring the health, safety, welfare or civil and human rights of elderly patients, residents and clients at veterans’ facilities, including suggestions or  recommendations for legislative consideration and for changes in the policy or rules and regulations of government agencies.  The report required by this bill would be similar to the annual report currently submitted to the Governor and the Legislature each year concerning all long-term care facilities in the State.