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 The legislation aims to remove outdated restrictions and expand the types of health care providers authorized to offer abortion services, thereby increasing access to safe and affordable care. Key provisions include defining "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.

The bill also expands the authority of physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified midwives, and advanced practice nurses to perform abortion procedures, specifically aspiration and medication abortions. It introduces definitions for "aspiration abortion" and "medication abortion," allowing these providers to perform procedures within their scope of practice, including administering sedation and prescribing medications. Additionally, the bill clarifies that abortion facilities can operate without being licensed as ambulatory surgical facilities for procedures that do not necessitate general anesthesia, thus enabling services to be conducted in procedure rooms. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance access to reproductive health services while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards of care.

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