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 authorizes nursing school graduates to be issued a temporary license to practice. Specifically, any person who has graduated from a nurse training program but has not yet met the requirements for licensure as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse may apply to the New Jersey Board of Nursing (board) for a temporary license. Applications are to be submitted in a form and manner and are to be subject to any fees as are required by the board. The fees assessed for a temporary license may not exceed the fees assessed by the board for a full nurse license. A temporary graduate nurse license will be valid for one year. At least 90 days prior to the expiration of the temporary license, the graduated nursing student will be required to initiate the process of applying for full licensure as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, as applicable, including registering for the applicable licensure examination, initiating the process of completing a criminal history record background check, and submitting the required fees. A temporary graduate nurse license will immediately expire if the graduated nursing student fails the applicable licensing examination. The board may authorize an extension of a temporary graduate nurse license for up to one year on the basis of illness or extreme hardship, provided the graduated nursing student has initiated the process of applying for full licensure and submits an application for extension at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the license that includes a detailed, written explanation of the reason the extension is requested. If requesting an extension due to illness, the applicant will be required to provide certification of the illness from the applicant's treating health care provider. A temporary graduate nurse license may only be extended once. Graduated nursing students will only be authorized to practice under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse who is physically present in the area or unit where the graduated nursing student is practicing.
AI Summary
This bill allows nursing school graduates who haven't yet obtained their full professional license as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) to practice under a temporary license for one year, provided they are supervised by an RN who is physically present. To obtain this temporary license, graduates must apply to the New Jersey Board of Nursing (board) and pay a fee no higher than that for a full license. Before their temporary license expires, they must begin the process for full licensure, which includes registering for the licensing exam and starting a criminal history background check. If a graduate fails the licensing exam, their temporary license immediately expires, though the board may grant a one-year extension for illness or extreme hardship if requested with proper documentation and if the graduate has already started the full licensure process. The bill also amends existing laws to update age requirements to "at least 18 years of age" and makes other minor language changes. Additionally, it introduces a provision waiving all initial, temporary, or renewal licensing fees for RN and LPN applicants who are employed by or have a job offer from a long-term care facility, requiring them to provide documentation of this employment status.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/A3029 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3029_I1.HTM |
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