The bill seeks to enhance the practice of out-of-state health care practitioners and recent graduates in New Jersey by allowing them to practice while their licensure applications are pending. It amends existing laws to clarify definitions related to telemedicine and telehealth, expanding the definition of "health care provider" to include those with temporary graduate licenses and provisional authorizations, as well as alcohol and drug counselor-interns. The bill introduces a new definition for "provisional authorization to practice," enabling out-of-state professionals to work in New Jersey during the processing of their applications. It also establishes requirements for telemedicine providers, ensuring they maintain the same standard of care as in-person services and that patients are informed about their qualifications.

Additionally, the bill outlines the licensure process for various health professionals, including nurses, psychologists, and counselors, allowing them to practice under temporary licenses while awaiting full licensure. It mandates that practitioners notify the Division of Consumer Affairs if their authorization in another state is suspended or revoked, with penalties for non-compliance. The legislation aims to streamline the licensure process, accommodate modern healthcare practices, and ensure public safety through notification requirements and civil penalties for failure to comply. Overall, the bill is designed to improve access to healthcare services in New Jersey while maintaining professional standards and regulatory compliance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:1-61, 45:1-62, 45:2D-10, 45:8B-21, 45:8B-46, 45:9-27.13, 45:11-24.2, 45:11-26, 45:11-27, 45:11-47, 45:14-53, 45:14B-20, 45:14BB-10, 45:14E-13, 45:15BB-7