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 clarifying that such facilities do not need to be classified as ambulatory surgical facilities if they perform procedures that do not require general anesthesia.

The bill expands the authority of physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified midwives, and advanced practice nurses to perform both aspiration and medication abortions. It allows physician assistants to manage medication abortions and perform aspiration abortions within their scope of practice, including administering sedation. Certified nurse midwives and certified midwives are similarly empowered to perform aspiration abortions and manage medication abortions if authorized. Additionally, the bill stipulates that abortion facilities are not required to be licensed as ambulatory surgical facilities for procedures not necessitating general anesthesia, thereby streamlining the licensing process and reducing regulatory burdens while ensuring adherence to care standards.

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