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 aims to eliminate unnecessary barriers to reproductive healthcare, specifically addressing Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers (TRAP laws) by removing outdated restrictions that have already been revised by the Board of Medical Examiners. The legislation emphasizes expanding the types of health care providers authorized to perform abortions, which has been in effect since 2021, thereby allowing more medical professionals to be trained in this area.

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 not requiring 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 within their scope of practice. Additionally, it allows private professional offices offering early aspiration or medication abortions to operate without an ambulatory care facility license, provided they comply with relevant regulations. The legislation also mandates the adoption of necessary regulations by the Commissioner of Health and the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs to implement these changes, ultimately aiming to enhance access to safe and affordable abortion services.

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