Establishes process for independent informal dispute resolution hearings in DOH.

This New Jersey bill (A 3566) creates a process for nursing homes, assisted living residences, and other licensed health care facilities to challenge inspection findings they disagree with. If a facility objects to a deficiency cited during a health inspection, it can request an independent third-party panel (three unbiased experts with no ties to the facility or Department of Health) to review the issue. The panel will decide whether to uphold, remove, or modify the deficiency and report its findings to the facility and the Department of Health; the Commissioner can then approve, reject, or adjust the panel’s decision. Funding for this process will come from the Department of Health’s budget, and the bill takes effect 180 days after enactment.