Bill
Bill > S4819
NJ S4819
NJ S4819Increases scope of practice for licensed practical nurses and patient care technicians under certain circumstances.
summary
Introduced
11/06/2025
11/06/2025
In Committee
11/06/2025
11/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill increases the scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in certain circumstances. Under this bill, LPNs working at a dialysis center providing direct patient care to those receiving dialysis would be allowed to conduct pre- and post-dialysis focal assessments if the assessment does not require the judgement of, intervention from, modification of care by, or referral from, a registered professional nurse. An abnormality must be immediately reported to the registered professional nurse. Additionally, under this bill, patient care technicians (PCTs) would be allowed to administer saline and heparin to dialysis patients. Currently, N.J.A.C.8:43A-24.6(f)4 prohibits PCTs from administering medications. This bill allows PCTs to administer saline and heparin and directs the Commissioner of Health to promulgate rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this bill.
AI Summary
This bill expands the professional capabilities of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and patient care technicians (PCTs) in dialysis centers. Specifically, LPNs will be allowed to perform pre- and post-dialysis focal assessments, provided these assessments do not require advanced nursing judgment or intervention, and any abnormalities must be immediately reported to a registered professional nurse. Patient care technicians, who are staff members with national certification and specific training in dialysis patient care, will now be permitted to administer saline and heparin to dialysis patients, which was previously prohibited. The bill directs the Commissioner of Health to develop regulations to implement these changes, and the new provisions will take effect 180 days after the act's enactment. This legislation aims to enhance healthcare efficiency by allowing qualified healthcare professionals to perform additional medical tasks within their training and expertise, while maintaining patient safety through supervision and reporting requirements.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 11/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4819 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4819_I1.HTM |
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