N.J. Stat. § 30:11A-2
Residential health care facilities, as defined in section 1 of P.L. 1953, c.212 (C.30:11A-1), shall operate within this State pursuant to a certificate of approval first had and obtained for that purpose from the Department of Health, or pursuant to a license had and obtained from the Department of Community Affairs. No such certificate of approval or license shall be issued unless the commissioner is satisfied that the institution in question is adequately prepared to furnish facilities, care, and service complying with standards relating thereto, except that temporary permits, valid for a period not exceeding six months and not subject to renewal, may be issued under the circumstances specified in section 6 of P.L. 1953, c.212 (C.30:11A-6). Boarding and rooming houses shall not be construed to be within the provisions of P.L. 1953, c.212 (C.30:11A-1 et seq.).
N.J.S. § 30:11A-2