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New Jersey Expands Practice Authority for Advanced Practice Nurses
Legislation signed into law eliminates restrictions, allowing experienced providers to practice independently in primary and behavioral health care settings.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:18pm
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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed into law a bill sponsored by Senators Joe Vitale and Troy Singleton that expands the practice authority of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the state. The new law eliminates certain restrictions, allowing experienced APNs providing primary and behavioral health care to practice independently without maintaining joint-protocol agreements with physicians. This change is aimed at improving access to care, reducing costs, and maintaining quality standards.
Why it matters
New Jersey has faced significant health care workforce challenges, and this legislation is intended to help address provider shortages and improve access to care, particularly in underserved communities. The COVID-19 pandemic had previously led to a temporary waiver of the joint-protocol requirement, and this law makes those changes permanent for qualified APNs.
The details
Under the new law, APNs with at least 5,000 hours of practice experience who are providing primary or behavioral health care will be permitted to prescribe medications without maintaining a joint-protocol agreement with a collaborating physician. The law also establishes additional continuing education requirements, mandates medical malpractice coverage, and grants the Board of Nursing explicit authority to address misuse of prescription privileges.
- The legislation was signed into law by Governor Mikie Sherrill on March 30, 2026.
The players
Joe Vitale
A Democratic state senator who sponsored the bill to expand practice authority for advanced practice nurses in New Jersey.
Troy Singleton
A Democratic state senator who co-sponsored the bill to expand practice authority for advanced practice nurses in New Jersey.
Mikie Sherrill
The governor of New Jersey who signed the bill into law, expanding practice authority for advanced practice nurses in the state.
What they’re saying
“New Jersey continues to face significant health care workforce challenges, and we need smart, evidence-based solutions to meet growing demand.”
— Joe Vitale, State Senator
“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.”
— Troy Singleton, State Senator
What’s next
The new law will go into effect immediately, allowing experienced advanced practice nurses to begin practicing independently in primary and behavioral health care settings across New Jersey.
The takeaway
This legislation represents a significant step forward in addressing New Jersey's health care workforce challenges and improving access to care, particularly in underserved communities. By removing unnecessary administrative barriers, the state is empowering experienced advanced practice nurses to play a greater role in delivering high-quality primary and behavioral health services to patients.
