This bill seeks to enhance the practice authority of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey by removing certain restrictions that currently limit their ability to operate independently. Key amendments include the elimination of the requirement for APNs to collaborate with a physician for prescribing medications and devices, as well as the removal of joint protocols and supervision requirements. The legislation emphasizes the importance of APNs in addressing the shortage of primary care providers, particularly in underserved areas, and aims to improve healthcare access, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for APNs regarding the prescription of medications, including the use of New Jersey Prescription Blanks and the completion of continuing education in pharmacology for controlled substances. It allows APNs certified in anesthesia to practice without physician supervision and clarifies that an APN's signature can substitute for a physician's signature in state laws, provided it aligns with their scope of practice. Overall, the legislation aims to empower APNs to fully utilize their education and training, thereby streamlining the regulatory framework and improving healthcare delivery in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:11-23, 45:11-49, 45:11-49.3, 45:11-50