Gopal bill that would require senior living facilities to prevent social isolation passes Senate unanimously

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Vin Gopal that will require nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long term care facilities to implement policies to prevent social isolation among their residents passed in the New Jersey Senate today, 39-0.

S2785 requires the Department of Health to implement and oversee the isolation prevention projects that, at a minimum, require facilities to provide “appropriate technology, staff and other capabilities in place to prevent the facility’s residents from becoming isolated during public emergencies.”

“The importance to be physically distant during this pandemic does not imply we need to be completely isolated from those we love,” Gopal said in a statement. “It is critically important that residents in long-term care facilities continue to engage in in-person contact and communication with other facility residents, family members, friends, and any other support systems they need during this public emergency.”

The Assembly’s companion bill has passed the Aging and Senior Services Committee last week. Gopal said he is optimistic that it will be passed in the Assembly soon and head to the Governor’s desk for his signature.