Here are the most recent health care related regulatory developments as published in the New Jersey Register on August 20, 2018:

• On August 20, 2018, at 50 N.J.R. 1877(b), the Office of the Governor issued an Executive Order (32) mandating that NJDOH appoint a Monitor to review the expenditures and access the level of care provided at University Hospital in Newark.

The order for the appointment of a Monitor was based on the findings that University Hospital had mismanaged its appropriated funds because it failed to comply with the State statutes and regulations governing healthcare facilities when it took steps to close its EPU and PICU without DOH’s approval, thereby depriving the City of Newark of essential healthcare services; received the only failing grade in New Jersey for patient safety by the nationally-recognized Leapfrog Group; suffered a bond rating downgrade during this time as a result of its lack of financial stability; and executed a contract with its CEO for $ 900,000 while these financial struggles continue to grow.  The Governor order requires that that debt service for the hospital bonds be deducted from the FY 2019 Appropriations to University Hospital.  The DOH Monitor will work directly with University Hospital and be responsible for assessing the level and quality of care provided to the community along with the financial health of the hospital and any other matters related to the hospital’s functions.

•  On August 20, 2018, at 50 N.J.R. 1896(a), the Department of Health published a notice of administrative correction to rules implementing the Health Care Professional Responsibility and Reporting Enhancement Act on May 15, 2017.  The Appendix instructions were published in error and issuance gives the notice of correction.