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 accessing reproductive healthcare. The legislation aims to solidify updated regulations into statute, enhancing access to safe and affordable abortion services. Key provisions include defining an "abortion facility" as an ambulatory care facility licensed by the Department of Health that provides abortion services, and specifying 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 abortion procedures, specifically aspiration abortions and medication abortions. It allows physician assistants to perform aspiration abortions within their scope of practice, including administering sedation, and to manage medication abortions. Certified nurse midwives and certified midwives are also granted similar abilities, while advanced practice nurses can perform aspiration abortions and administer medication abortions according to their training. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the adoption of necessary regulations by the Commissioner of Health and the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs to implement these changes, ensuring that previous legislation does not limit the ability of these healthcare professionals to perform abortions within their authorized scope of practice.

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