NJ S2996

Allows advanced practice nurses (APNs) with more than 5,000 hours of licensed practice in specified population focus areas to practice without a joint protocol with a collaborating physician when providing primary health care or behavioral health care

Exempts qualifying APNs from existing physician collaboration requirements for prescribing medications, ordering devices, and authorizing medical cannabis, while requiring 14 contact hours of continuing education in controlled substance pharmacology

Requires independently practicing APNs to carry malpractice liability insurance at minimum amounts applicable to licensed physicians and notify the Board of Nursing of their coverage

Prohibits APNs practicing under the exemption from providing general obstetrics services or elective aesthetic/cosmetic services

Mandates that APNs providing behavioral health care facilitate timely referral or transfer to higher levels of care when clinically appropriate, based on documented assessment