This bill seeks to codify the authority of various health care providers to perform abortions in New Jersey and clarify the operational requirements for abortion facilities. It addresses the issue of Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers (TRAP laws), which are viewed as unnecessary barriers to reproductive healthcare access. The legislation aims to solidify updated regulations into statute, enhancing access to safe and affordable abortion services. Key provisions include defining "abortion facility" as an ambulatory care facility licensed by the Department of Health that provides abortion services, and it specifies that such facilities are not required to be classified as ambulatory surgical facilities if they perform procedures that do not require general anesthesia or an operating room.

The bill expands the authority of physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified midwives, and advanced practice nurses to perform aspiration and medication abortions. It defines "medication abortion" as the use of medications to terminate a pregnancy and allows physician assistants to manage these procedures within their scope of practice. Additionally, it clarifies that advanced practice nurses can perform similar procedures consistent with their training. The legislation also includes provisions for the Commissioner of Health and the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs to adopt necessary regulations to implement these changes, ultimately aiming to enhance access to abortion services while ensuring qualified health care professionals can provide them within their established scopes of practice.

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