This bill amends existing New Jersey law to explicitly prohibit unlicensed individuals from using the title "Nurse" or any related abbreviations, such as "R.N." for registered nurses and "L.P.N." for licensed practical nurses. The bill clarifies that only those who hold an effective, unsuspended license as a professional nurse, practical nurse, or advanced practice nurse under the relevant statutes (P.L.1947, c.262 and P.L.1991, c.377) are permitted to use these titles. Additionally, it reinforces that any representation of oneself as a nurse without the appropriate licensure is unlawful.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing legal language, replacing references to "this act" with specific citations to the relevant laws, thereby enhancing clarity and precision in the legal text. Violations of these provisions will result in penalties, with a $200 fine for initial offenses and $500 for subsequent violations. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:11-37, 45:11-46