Bill
Bill > S3019
NJ S3019
NJ S3019Increases scope of practice for licensed practical nurses and patient care technicians under certain circumstances.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 duties of certain healthcare professionals in dialysis centers. Specifically, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will be permitted to conduct pre- and post-dialysis assessments, which involve checking a patient's condition before and after dialysis treatment, as long as these assessments do not require the expertise or intervention of a registered professional nurse (RN); any concerning findings must be immediately reported to an RN. Additionally, patient care technicians (PCTs), who are certified and trained staff members providing direct patient care in dialysis centers, will be allowed to administer saline and heparin, medications commonly used during dialysis, overcoming a previous prohibition against PCTs administering any medications. The Commissioner of Health is directed to create regulations to implement these changes, which will take effect 180 days after the bill is enacted.
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 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3019 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3019_I1.HTM |
Loading...