Statement of Debbie White, RN, HPAE President Thursday, October 1, 2026 NJ Senate Labor Committee In support of S.4075, which regulates use of artificial intelligence-based systems for electronic monitoring regarding employment and public services

Good morning Chairman Johnson, Vice Chair Zwicker and members of the Senate Labor Committee. My name is Debbie White, HPAE President representing 15,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals across New Jersey. I am here today in strong support of S.4075 the Fair AI Regulations Act.

Nurses understand the value of technology. Every day, we use electronic systems to improve patient care. But we also know that technology should support professional judgment, not replace it, and it should never be used to undermine workers’ rights, patient safety, or quality care.

Healthcare employers are increasingly using AI and electronic monitoring systems to track worker productivity, evaluate performance, and influence staffing decisions. The problem is that these systems often do not measure the reality of nursing care or the quality of care.

When a nurse spends extra time educating a family, comforting a dying patient, preventing a fall, or recognizing subtle changes in a patient’s condition before a crisis occurs, that is excellent nursing care. An algorithm may see only that the nurse or physician took “too long” to complete a task. What AI may label as inefficient can actually be the very best care that saved a life.

We are deeply concerned about employers using AI-driven systems to establish productivity expectations, monitor workers, or make employment decisions without meaningful human oversight. In healthcare, decisions based solely on data points can overlook the clinical expertise, compassion, and critical thinking that patients depend on every day.

This legislation provides common-sense protections. It requires transparency, independent review, and human accountability. It protects workers from invasive surveillance practices. It ensures that nurses and their unions are informed before AI systems are introduced and have an opportunity to raise concerns and bargain effects. Most importantly, it prevents employers from relying exclusively on AI when making decisions that affect people’s lives.

As a union leader, I also strongly support the bill’s recognition that workers deserve a voice when new technologies impact working conditions, staffing, and employment. Innovation should never come at the expense of worker dignity, patient safety, or fundamental fairness.

AI can be a useful tool in healthcare, but it cannot replace the judgment of a nurse at the bedside. This bill strikes the right balance between encouraging innovation and protecting the people who provide and receive care.

On behalf of New Jersey’s nurses and healthcare professionals, I respectfully urge your support for the Fair AI Regulations Act.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify.