James Hitesman, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Bridgeway, Inc., D/B/A Bridgeway Care Center, Defendant-Respondent

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the Appellate Division, holding that a plaintiff asserting a CEPA retaliation claim must identify a law, rule, regulation, declaratory ruling, or professional code of ethics that provides a standard for the employer's conduct; the ANA Code, Bridgeway’s employee handbook, and resident‑rights statement did not satisfy that requirement. Justice Albin dissented, arguing that the plaintiff’s testimony about CDC "standard precautions" supplied the necessary authority and that the trial court correctly denied Bridgeway’s motion to dismiss.