The bill seeks to enhance access to abortion services in New Jersey by codifying the authority of various health care providers to perform abortions and clarifying the operational requirements for abortion facilities. It addresses the issue of Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers (TRAP laws) by removing outdated restrictions that have already been revised through regulations by the Board of Medical Examiners. Key provisions include defining "abortion facility" as an ambulatory care facility licensed by the Department of Health, which can provide abortion services without being classified as ambulatory surgical facilities if they do not require general anesthesia. The bill also introduces a new definition for "aspiration abortion," which involves terminating a pregnancy using suction methods.

Additionally, the legislation expands the authority of physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified midwives, and advanced practice nurses to perform both aspiration and medication abortions. It defines "medication abortion" as the use of medications to induce termination of pregnancy and allows these healthcare professionals to administer sedation and prescribe drugs within their scope of practice. The bill stipulates that abortion facilities can operate in procedure rooms without the need for surgical facility licensing, streamlining the regulatory framework and ensuring better access to reproductive healthcare in New Jersey. Importantly, it emphasizes that previous legislation will not limit the ability of these healthcare professionals to perform abortions in accordance with their training.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:9-27.11, 45:9-27.16, 45:9-27.19