New regulations aim to streamline reporting systems, update immunization standards, and clarify requirements for healthcare providers, schools, and colleges.TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has proposed a comprehensive set of regulatory changes affecting communicable disease reporting, immunization requirements, and public health surveillance systems under N.J.A.C. 8:57. The proposed actions, announced in the September 15, 2025,...
New regulations aim to streamline reporting systems, update immunization standards, and clarify requirements for healthcare providers, schools, and colleges.
TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has proposed a comprehensive set of regulatory changes affecting communicable disease reporting, immunization requirements, and public health surveillance systems under N.J.A.C. 8:57. The proposed actions, announced in the September 15, 2025, issue of the New Jersey Register, include amendments, repeals, and new rules designed to reorganize and streamline the chapter.
The proposed revisions cover a wide array of public health areas, including:
At Subchapter 2, the proposed rules clarify how healthcare providers, clinical laboratories, veterinarians, animal facilities, and health officers must report cases of communicable and zoonotic diseases. These rules would also update protocols for the CDRSS, the state’s electronic disease reporting system.
The proposals at Subchapters 4 and 6 restate the requirements for proof of immunization or immunity for children entering child care facilities or schools and students enrolling in institutions of higher education. Notably, no changes are proposed to the list of vaccine-preventable diseases currently required.
However, under the new rules, administrators would be required to adhere to the latest immunization schedules and best practices issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other nationally recognized health organizations. This would affect dose scheduling, dosage numbers, and recognized medical contraindications.
At Subchapter 3, updates are proposed to the NJIIS, New Jersey’s immunization information system, which tracks vaccine data statewide.
In Subchapter 5, which addresses tuberculosis (TB) management, the Department proposes technical updates to align with current guidance publications. The revisions also recommend the removal of a TB diagnostic test that has been found to unnecessarily extend patient hospital stays.
The proposal includes technical corrections to other chapters of Title 8, updating cross-references to ensure consistency with the reorganized N.J.A.C. 8:57.
The NJDOH is inviting public feedback on the proposed changes. Comments must be submitted by November 14, 2025, either:
The proposed updates are part of the Department’s broader effort to modernize public health infrastructure and ensure regulatory alignment with evolving clinical standards and federal recommendations.