This bill seeks to eliminate practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, granting them full practice authority to enhance healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. Key amendments include the removal of the requirement for APNs to collaborate with a physician for prescribing medications and managing patient care, which has previously hindered their practice. The legislation introduces new definitions that clarify the roles of APNs, allowing them to independently diagnose, monitor, and manage patient care, as well as administer anesthesia and authorize medical cannabis use.

Additionally, the bill establishes new requirements for APNs to issue prescriptions, including the use of New Jersey Prescription Blanks and completion of continuing education in pharmacology for controlled substances. APNs with over 24 months or 2,400 hours of active practice can operate without a joint protocol with a collaborating provider, while those with less experience will still need such a protocol. The legislation also allows APNs specializing in anesthesia to work independently and clarifies that any state law requiring a physician's signature will accept that of an APN, provided it aligns with their scope of practice. The bill mandates the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Commissioner of Health to adopt necessary regulations to implement these changes.

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