Sherrill signs advanced practice nurses reform bill

The basics:

• Gov. Sherrill signs legislation expanding advanced practice nurse independence in New Jersey
• Experienced APNs with 5,000 clinical hours can practice without physician agreements
• Law aims to expand care access, address workforce shortages
• Policy builds on COVID-era waivers that allowed independent APN practice

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation March 30 eliminating key practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses. Senate Bill 2996/Assembly Bill 4052 permanently allows certain experienced providers to practice independently in primary and behavioral health care settings. It also allows these professionals to prescribe medications without a joint protocol agreement with a physician.

APNs are registered nurses with graduate-level education and advanced clinical training. Twenty-seven states already grant full practice authority. Under the new law, New Jersey will allow qualified APNs with at least 5,000 hours of clinical experience to practice more independently. The move helps align the state with broader national trends.

The law aims to expand access to care, reduce costs and address ongoing workforce shortages.

It also includes safeguards, such as continuing education requirements, mandatory malpractice coverage and oversight authority for the state Board of Nursing.

Background

The move follows COVID-era policies that temporarily waived joint protocol requirements and allowed APNs to practice independently for several years.

As the waivers approached expiration earlier this year, it prompted concern from health care providers about potential disruptions to care – particularly for medical spas, clinics and ambulatory surgery centers as well as small, independent practices that rely on APNs.

In response, as NJBIZ reported, Sherrill issued Executive Order No. 13 in February. The EO extended the state of emergency and those flexibilities for 45 days. The window provided what officials described as a critical window for a permanent legislative fix to avoid an abrupt return to stricter supervisory requirements.

Sherrill said the bill signing ensures that advanced practice nurses with extensive clinical experience are able to continue independently providing care.

Removing barriers

“At a time when the health care industry is facing significant workforce shortages and when my administration is focused on driving down costs to consumers, the last thing we need is more barriers to practicing and accessing health care in New Jersey,” said Sherrill. “From youth mental health services to preventative care, taking action to remove these unneeded administrative barriers will help ensure New Jersey residents have access to the high-quality services that they deserve.”

Bill sponsors said the legislation reflects the key role APNs play in the state’s health care system.

“New Jersey continues to face significant health care workforce challenges, and we need smart, evidence-based solutions to meet growing demand,” said Sen. Joe Vitale, D-10th District. “Allowing experienced advanced practice nurses providing 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.”

“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 Sen. Troy Singleton, D-7th District. “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.”