The scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) varies significantly across the United States, with nearly half of the states, along with the District of Columbia, allowing NPs to practice fully autonomously. According to Poghosyan et al. (2022), NPs currently account for about one out of every five primary care providers, and this number is projected to increase to nearly 30% by 2025. In states with the least restrictive practice regulations, there was a 15-fold increase in the frequency of patients receiving care from NPs between 1998 and 2010, highlighting the critical role that NPs play in healthcare delivery (Neff et al., 2018).
Reduced Practice Authority in New Jersey
In New Jersey, Nurse Practitioners operate under reduced-practice authority, which imposes certain limitations and restrictions on their practice. Unlike NPs in full practice states, NPs in New Jersey cannot practice autonomously and are required to have a collaborating physician. While the collaborating physician does not need to be physically present when the NP is working, they must be available for communication. This requirement can create challenges, especially in situations where immediate decisions are necessary.
Some of the limitations faced by NPs in New Jersey include restrictions on operating their own practice and prescribing certain types of medications. For example, prior to 2009, NPs in New Jersey were not allowed to order specimens from clinical labs, a restriction that has since been lifted (Pittman et al., 2020). Although NPs in New Jersey have the authority to diagnose and order tests, these limitations can hinder their ability to provide comprehensive care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Despite these limitations, New Jersey has made strides in expanding the scope of practice for NPs. The state frequently follows regulatory changes made in New York, which recently adopted Full Practice Authority legislation. This legislation allows NPs to provide the full scope of services they are educated and trained to deliver (Black, 2022). New Jersey is likely to continue this trend, gradually expanding the autonomy of NPs.
Process for Obtaining NP Licensure in New Jersey
The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General provides detailed instructions for the advanced practice nurse (APN) certification process. To obtain NP licensure in New Jersey, applicants must meet several requirements:
- Active RN Licensure: The applicant must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Jersey.
- Educational Requirements: The applicant must complete all educational and clinical requirements, including a master’s program in nursing.
- Application Process: The application for APN certification must be completed on the Board of Nursing’s website and submitted with a copy of the U.S. passport and a full-face signed photograph.
- Notarization: The application must be signed and notarized by a notary public.
- Criminal History Check: A criminal history background check is required.
- Pharmacology Education: The applicant must also submit proof of completing six contact hours in pharmacology (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, 2023).