2. There is established the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing in the College of Nursing of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, to address issues of supply and demand of the nursing workforce, including education, recruitment, retention and utilization of adequately prepared nursing personnel. The center shall be administered by an executive director under the direction of the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing board established pursuant to this act.

The primary goals of the center shall be to:

a. develop a strategic plan for the continuing development of an adequate nursing workforce, in number and in education and training, to meet the needs of New Jersey residents by:

(1) collecting and analyzing information about and maintaining a database of the current and projected supply and demand of the nursing workforce, including home health aides, nursing assistants, unlicensed assistive personnel, registered nurses, practical nurses, advanced practice nurses and doctorally prepared faculty; and

(2) determining priorities to be addressed from the plan;

b. continue the collaborative approach originating from New Jersey Colleagues in Caring by convening representative groups of health care stakeholders to:

(1) review and comment on the data analysis conducted by the center;

(2) recommend systemic changes in the State’s health care system, including strategies for the implementation of the changes; and

(3) disseminate the results of the reviews and recommendations to the Legislature, health care stakeholders and consumers;

c. acknowledge the valued contribution of the nursing work force to the health of the State by:

(1) promoting positive image-building efforts in nursing;

(2) supporting existing mechanisms for rewarding outstanding nurses; and

(3) reporting with evidence-based data the relationship of nursing care to the positive outcomes of the health of consumers;

d. provide consultation, technical assistance and information related to nursing resources within and outside of the State and serve as a clearinghouse for data related to nursing resources;

e. foster collaboration among members of the health care community to achieve policy consensus, promote diversity and enhance the knowledge of nurses and others in health policy and health services research; and

f. seek competitive funding to support specific research endeavors or model programs to enhance the resources available in supporting innovative projects.

L.2002, c.116, s.2; amended 2009, c.47, s.1.