This bill seeks to grant advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey full practice authority by removing existing restrictions that limit their ability to prescribe medications and administer anesthesia. Key amendments include the elimination of the requirement for APNs to collaborate with a physician for prescribing, as well as the removal of joint protocols and supervision requirements. The legislation aims to empower APNs to fully utilize their training and certification, thereby improving patient care and access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. It also highlights the importance of expanding healthcare access in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily allowed APNs to practice without these restrictions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for APNs regarding prescription issuance, including the use of New Jersey Prescription Blanks and specific continuing education in pharmacology for controlled substances. APNs with less than 24 months or 2,400 hours of active practice must establish a joint protocol with a collaborating provider to prescribe, while those with more experience can practice independently. The legislation also allows APNs who have completed the necessary hours in anesthesia practice to operate without supervision and clarifies that any state law requiring a physician's signature will also accept that of an APN, provided it aligns with their scope of practice. The bill repeals outdated sections of law and mandates the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Commissioner of Health to adopt regulations to implement these new provisions.

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