New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has extended COVID‑era advanced practice nurse (APN) flexibilities through April 2, 2026, preventing an abrupt reinstatement of physician‑collaboration requirements that were set to resume on February 16. This temporary measure buys time as lawmakers consider Senate Bill 2996 (S2996), legislation that would allow experienced APNs to practice independently after completing 2,400 hours of advanced nursing practice.

Sherrill's Executive Order 13, issued February 13, extends the State of Emergency for 45 days strictly to maintain the COVID‑era waiver that had allowed APNs to practice and prescribe without a collaborating physician.

“With today’s executive order, we are providing more time for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to adjust to this new regulatory landscape, delivering on our commitment to make it easier for small businesses to thrive in New Jersey,” said Governor Sherrill in a release. “Many health care professionals across New Jersey are bracing for impact as years-long state of emergency provisions come to an abrupt end. These sudden regulatory changes will have wide-ranging impacts on health care professionals and patients alike – potentially even forcing clinics and small, independent practices to close their doors, making it more difficult for New Jerseyans to access critical health care services.”

COVID‑Era Rule

During the COVID‑19 emergency, New Jersey waived joint‑protocol requirements so APNs could prescribe and practice independently, expanding access to health care and boosting the APN workforce. 

As one of his final acts before leaving office, former Gov. Phil Murphy officially ended the COVID‑19 State of Emergency, which automatically terminated the APN flexibilities. This reinstated New Jersey’s requirement that APNs maintain a joint protocol with a collaborating physician to prescribe medications or medical devices. 

As a result of the emergency’s expiration, APNs were required to secure a collaborating physician agreement no later than February 16, 2026 in order to continue prescribing legally. Clinics, medical spas, and independent providers feared immediate shutdowns. 

Gov. Sherrill’s Executive Order extends emergency authority until April 2, 2026, keeping APNs’ independent prescribing in place. 

S2996: Potential Path to APN Independence

S2996, currently in committee, proposes allowing APNs to practice without a joint protocol once they have completed 2,400 hours of advanced nursing practice with a collaborating provider.

If passed, the bill would bring New Jersey in line with most U.S. states that have already adopted full practice authority.