Maddy summaryS 1983 would eliminate the requirement for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey to practice under physician collaboration or supervision, allowing them to provide care independently. This directly affects APNs - over 75% of whom specialize in primary care - and aims to improve healthcare access in underserved communities, including areas with physician shortages and among racial/ethnic minorities, low-income populations, and those facing transportation barriers. The bill cites that 24 states and the District of Columbia already permit full practice authority for APNs, and during pandemic waivers (Executive Order 112), no adverse incidents occurred while APNs practiced without restrictions. It states removing these barriers could reduce healthcare access disparities by over 38 percent, aligning New Jersey with other states to address chronic shortages in primary care services.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 2064 establishes the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program, providing up to $7,200 per semester to eligible students completing clinical practice in teacher preparation programs. The scholarship directly supports New Jersey residents enrolled full-time in approved educator preparation programs who are completing required clinical practice to earn a "certificate of eligibility with advanced standing." To qualify, students must be NJ residents, enrolled full-time in an approved program, and complete program steps for clinical practice. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will administer the program, collect annual demographic and effectiveness data, and may prioritize students seeking high-demand teaching fields like math or special education. The scholarship terminates for academic dismissal or program withdrawal but requires no repayment if terminated due to illness or family emergencies.
Maddy summaryS 304 would expand Medicare coverage to all New Jersey residents, regardless of age, health, or disability, by requiring the state to seek a federal waiver to replace current health programs like Medicaid with a unified New Jersey Medicare program. The bill mandates that the state apply to CMS for necessary waivers, with CMS adjusting costs and premiums based on existing Medicare and Medicaid payments. It also prohibits private insurers from offering duplicate coverage for services already provided by Medicare to ensure full participation in the new system. This would provide comprehensive health coverage to all New Jersey residents meeting the 30-day domicile requirement, including those currently uninsured or facing restrictive private insurance plans.