NJ A944

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) with more than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed active practice will be authorized to practice independently without joint protocols with collaborating physicians

APNs with fewer than 24 months or 2,400 hours of practice must maintain a joint protocol with a collaborating physician or experienced APN, but only for prescribing medications

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (APN-Anesthesia) who have completed 24 months or 2,400 hours of practice may administer general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and neuraxial anesthesia without physician supervision or joint protocols

All APNs prescribing medications must complete 6 contact hours of continuing education on controlled substances pharmacology, plus 10 contact hours in pharmacology each biennial period

State laws or regulations requiring a physician's signature, verification, or endorsement will be deemed to accept an APN's signature when consistent with APN scope of practice