N.J.S.A. 26:2H-12.50 requires that every general hospital conduct an annual public meeting organized to provide the community served by the hospital with information about the operation of the hospital, and to provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and raise issues of concern. The meetings are open to members of the public. Each general hospital that is part of a health care system must conduct its own annual meeting. The Act requires, at a minimum, that the CEO of the hospital, the chairman of the hospital board, and at least 25 percent of the members of the hospital board are required to be present at the meeting and available to respond to questions from members of the public. The hospital representatives must be physically present at the meeting and may not appear by remote access. Hospitals are required to provide notice of the meeting to the Department of Health at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting.
N.J.A.C. 8:96-3.1 requires this meeting occur within 60 days of a hospital’s submission to the Department of its annual audited financial statements, and, if applicable, its annual audited statement of operations or income with respect to system hospitals, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:96-2.1. The hospital shall make available copies of its annual audited financial statements in sufficient quantities to attendees at that meeting. This web site provides meeting schedule information for the annual meeting and will be posted at least one month in advance of the meeting.
Public information concerning the names, addresses, licensure expiration dates, and other information for hospitals is available by linking to the Acute Care Facility Search Page. Hospitals should be contacted directly concerning the meeting.
If you need assistance posting annual meeting information to the webpage, please contact Diana Rosario at diana.r.rosario@doh.nj.gov .
Guidance for a Remotely Conducted Hospital Annual Meeting
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