Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribing Bill Heads to Governor, The

New Jersey Nurse, Jul/Aug 2004

Legislation to allow Advanced Practice Nurses to initiate prescriptions for Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) in all situations, not only in end-of-life situations, was approved by both the New Jersey Senate and the General Assembly on June 21, 2004. The measure now heads to Governor McGreevey for final approval.

S7 -1078 sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale (D-19) and Fred H. Madden, Jr. (D-4) was approved by the Senate by a vote of 31-9. The Senators who voted "no" on the bill were:

Senator Bark (R-8)

Senator Bucco (R-25)

Senator Ciesla (R-10)

Senator Connors (R-9)

Senator Gormley (R-2)

Senator Kyrillos (R-13)

Senator Littell (R-24)

Senator McNamara (R-40)

Senator Palaia (R-11)

In the Assembly, A-2807, sponsored by Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg (D-37) and Assemblyman Robert M. Gordon (D-38) passed with a vote of 73-6. Voting "no" was:

Assemblyman Baroni (R 14)

Assemblyman Bramnick (R-21)

Assemblyman Conaway (D-7)

Assemblyman Doherty (R23)

Assemblyman Merkt (R-25)

Assemblyman Munoz (R-21)

Under current law, an APN only is permitted to initiate CDS prescriptions for endof-life. They may renew prescriptions in all situations. When S10787 /A2807 is signed into law, APNs will be able to initiate prescriptions for CDS in all situations in accordance with joint protocols. This "unlimited" initiation of CDS is the only expansion of duties of the APN as a result of the passage of this bill.

The bill clarifies language of the Nurse Practice Act and makes explicit the need for APNs and their collaborating physician to address whether or not prior consultation is needed when the APN initiates a CDS. In addition, the bill requires APNs to undergo six hours of additional continuing professional education in pharmacology relative to CDS, including pharmacological therapy and addiction prevention management.

Watch the NJSNA website for more information about the Governor's action on this bill. Updates on regulations for implementing the new law will be published on the NJSNA website.