# New NJ Law Changes How Patients Can Get Prescriptions

- URL: https://theranews.net/blog/2026-04-02-new-nj-law-changes-how-patients-can-get-prescriptions-fbb415/
- Published: 2026-04-02
- Type: Archive summary (AI-assisted summary of third-party reporting)
- Original outlet: patch
- Original report: https://patch.com/new-jersey/across-nj/new-nj-law-changes-how-patients-can-get-prescriptions
- Topics: mental-health
- Publisher: TheraNews, operated by AdvancedCare USA Inc.
- Notice: Educational content, not medical, legal, billing or financial advice. Cite the original outlet, not this summary.

> Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation allowing certain advanced practice nurses to prescribe meds without a doctor.

---
Governor Mikie Sherrill signed S2996 into law, allowing advanced practice nurses (APNs) to prescribe medications without the supervision of a doctor. The law comes as a waiver signed into law by former Governor Phil Murphy that exempted APNs from a "joint protocol"—an agreement requiring a doctor to supervise prescriptions—was set to expire. This legislation makes permanent the independent practice authority of certain APNs who provide primary or behavioral health care.

APNs need to have at least 5,000 hours of practice before being exempt from the joint protocol. Nurses can also prescribe behavioral health medications under the law. According to Governor Sherrill, "Today's bill signing ensures that advanced practice nurses with extensive clinical experience are able to continue independently providing primary and behavioral health care services. At a time when the health care industry is facing significant workforce shortages and when my Administration is focused on driving down costs to consumers, the last thing we need is more barriers to practicing and accessing health care in New Jersey."

## Impact on Health Care Access

The law addresses barriers to healthcare access during a time of workforce shortages. Governor Sherrill stated, "From youth mental health services to preventative care, taking action to remove these unneeded administrative barriers will help ensure New Jersey residents have access to the high-quality services that they deserve."

---

*This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: [https://patch.com/new-jersey/across-nj/new-nj-law-changes-how-patients-can-get-prescriptions](https://patch.com/new-jersey/across-nj/new-nj-law-changes-how-patients-can-get-prescriptions)*