This bill establishes a state-funded program to support nursing transition-to-practice initiatives for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered professional nurses (RNs) at healthcare facilities. It requires facilities to apply for NJCCN support to create structured 12-month programs with mentorship, full-time schedules, and data tracking, prioritizing veterans' homes, long-term care, and home care providers. The New Jersey Board of Nursing will allocate up to $2 million annually for financial, material, and technical assistance to approved facilities based on their applications. The bill also updates governance for the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN), including board composition and appointment processes.
This bill expands New Jersey optometrists' scope of practice to include administering vaccines for coronaviruses, influenza, and shingles (for patients 18+), prescribing certain medications (including controlled substances under specific conditions), and performing limited eye procedures like laser treatments and minor surgeries. It requires optometrists to follow CDC vaccine guidelines, report immunizations to the state system, and avoid invasive surgeries or general anesthesia. The changes clarify that optometrists must adhere to medical standards for pharmaceutical use and cannot perform procedures requiring full-thickness eye incisions or orbital surgery. This modernizes optometric care while maintaining safety boundaries for patient treatment.
This bill creates the New Jersey Board of Paramedicine to regulate paramedics and emergency medical services. It establishes a 15-member board with specific representation (including 5 practicing mobile intensive care paramedics, 3 EMTs, medical specialists, and public members) to set licensing standards and oversee paramedicine practice. The bill repeals outdated statutes and defines key terms like "advanced life support" and "paramedicine" based on national guidelines. The board will regulate licensing, scope of practice, and professional standards for paramedics and EMTs in New Jersey. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Commerce Committee.
This bill limits out-of-pocket costs for asthma inhalers under New Jersey health insurance plans. It requires hospital, medical, and health service plans sold in the state to cover prescribed asthma inhalers with no deductible and capping copayments or coinsurance at $35 per 30-day supply. The law applies to all covered individuals who receive a prescription from a participating doctor or nurse practitioner. Plans may offer lower costs but cannot exceed the $35 limit for this specific coverage.
This New Jersey bill requires public schools to have certified school nurses develop individualized health care plans and emergency plans for students with life-threatening allergies or anaphylaxis. Parents must provide annual written authorization for these plans, including permission for emergency epinephrine use and, if permitted, student self-management. The plans must detail symptoms, treatment protocols, activity accommodations (like school trips and parties), staff training on recognizing and responding to reactions, and communication procedures. School nurses are responsible for updating the plans annually and ensuring all relevant staff - including those at after-school programs - are trained in managing these conditions.
S 2683 requires all health care providers (like doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners) working in New Jersey urgent care facilities to hold the same licenses and qualifications as those needed for emergency room staff at general hospitals. This applies to providers treating acute but non-life-threatening conditions through walk-in care. The bill immediately mandates this credential parity for all urgent care facilities, aligning their staffing standards with hospital emergency departments.
This bill requires doctors and nurse practitioners specializing in family medicine, obstetrics, or gynecology to ask female patients with flu-like or stomach symptoms specific questions about their menstrual cycle and tampon use. Providers must inquire about active menstrual cycles, recent tampon use, and whether symptoms began during or after tampon use. They must also inform patients about toxic shock syndrome symptoms and offer testing if symptoms align with menstrual cycle timing and tampon use. The law directly affects female patients seeking care for influenza-like or gastroenteritis symptoms in these medical specialties.
This bill (S 3019) expands the duties of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and patient care technicians (PCTs) working in New Jersey dialysis centers. Specifically, it allows LPNs to perform pre- and post-dialysis focal assessments (if no RN judgment/intervention is needed), and permits PCTs to administer saline and heparin - tasks currently restricted under state rules. All such activities must be conducted under a registered nurse’s direct supervision, with abnormalities immediately reported to the RN. The bill directly affects dialysis center staff and patients receiving dialysis services, requiring the Commissioner of Health to create implementing rules within 180 days of enactment.
This bill requires that medication in group homes, supervised apartments, and day programs serving people with developmental disabilities must be given only by nurses or certified medication aides working under a nurse's direct supervision. It mandates that parents or legal guardians must provide detailed medication instructions to facility nurses whenever a resident's medication or dosage changes. The bill defines key terms like "community-based residential program" (including group homes and supervised apartments) and "day program" to clarify which facilities it covers. It applies directly to residential facilities licensed by New Jersey's Department of Human Services and their staff, as well as families managing their loved ones' care. The policy aims to standardize medication safety without creating new programs or funding.
