TRENTON – The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senators Joe Vitale and Troy Singleton that will eliminate certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) practicing primary and behavioral health care, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their education and training while improving access to care across New Jersey.

The bill, S-2996, will remove longstanding requirements that APNs maintain joint protocol agreements with physicians in order to prescribe medications, specifically for those APNs practicing primary and behavioral health care. As amended, the bill permits APNs providing primary or behavioral health care, with at least 5,000 hours of practice experience, to prescribe medications without a joint protocol with a collaborating physician. The bill includes additional continuing education requirements, mandates medical malpractice coverage, and gives the Board of Nursing explicit authority to take action against a licensee for any abuse of prescription privileges.

“New Jersey continues to face significant health care workforce challenges, and we need smart, evidence-based solutions to meet growing demand,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex). “Allowing experienced advanced practice nurses practicing primary and behavioral health care to continue practicing independently will improve access to care, reduce costs, and maintain the high standards of quality and safety that patients expect.”

Senator Singleton (D-Burlington) emphasized the bill’s impact on access and equity. “Advanced practice nurses are a critical part of our health care system, and it is time our laws reflect the reality of the care they are already providing,” said Senator Singleton. “By removing unnecessary administrative barriers, this bill will expand access to high-quality care, particularly in underserved communities, and help address ongoing provider shortages across our state.”

Right now, New Jersey is classified as a “reduced practice” state for advanced practice nurses, requiring a joint protocol with physicians in order to prescribe medication. Nearly 30 states have adopted full practice authority, a model supported by extensive research showing that APNs deliver safe, high-quality, and cost-effective care with outcomes comparable to physicians in similar settings.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Jersey waived the APN joint protocol requirement, allowing APNs to practice to the full extent of their license for the past six years. This bill comes as those temporary waivers are about to expire, reinstating restrictions that limit access to care and disrupt patient continuity of care. By modernizing New Jersey’s approach, the legislation aims to strengthen the health care workforce, reduce disparities in medical access, and ensure that residents can receive timely, high-quality care when and where they need it.

Original Article