Codifies and extends authorization for certain out-of-State health care practitioners and recent graduates of health care training programs to practice in New Jersey.

A3576 AHN Statement 3/16/26

ASSEMBLY HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY,
No. 3576

STATE
OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:
MARCH
16, 2026

����� The Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee reports
favorably Assembly Bill No. 3576.

�����
T
his
bill authorizes certain out-of-State health care professionals and recent
graduates of health care training programs to practice in New Jersey pending a
final determination on an application for licensure or certification to
practice in New Jersey.�

����� Specifically, the bill provides that alcohol and drug
counselors, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors,
physicians, homemaker-home health aides, registered or professional nurses,
practical nurses, advanced practice nurses, pharmacists, psychologists,
psychoanalysts, respiratory care practitioners, and clinical social workers
licensed or certified to practice in another state who apply for licensure or
certification in New Jersey will be authorized to practice for up to one year
in New Jersey pending a final determination on the individual�s application.�
The bill stipulates that such individuals are to be certified or licensed in
states that also require state and federal background checks to obtain
licensure.�

����� Under the bill, a review is required by the various
boards of the National Practitioner Data Bank regarding any adverse
disciplinary action against a professional seeking the one-year license.� If a
professional practicing under a provisional authorization to practice has been
suspended, revoked, or subject to adverse disciplinary action in any other
state, the professional will be required to immediately notify the Division of
Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, which will make a
determination as to the individual�s continuing authorization to practice under
the provisional authorization.� The individual will not be permitted to
practice in New Jersey under the bill until the division makes its
determination.

����� A professional who fails to provide notice of an
adverse action in another state will be liable to a civil penalty of $500 per
day for each day the notice is not provided.� However, the individual will have
the opportunity to demonstrate to the court that the individual did not know
and had no reason to know of the adverse action, or that the adverse action was
taken for a violation that was purely technical in nature or that was minor and
did not adversely affect the health or safety of any individual.� If the court
finds the individual did not know of the adverse action or that the adverse
action was minor or technical in nature, the court will have the authority to
reduce or eliminate a civil penalty assessed under the bill.

����� With regard to recent graduates, the bill provides
that certain recent graduates will be authorized to practice under a temporary
license until the person achieves full licensure or fails the licensure
examination, which includes, associate counselors, physician assistants,
professional nurses, practical nurses, pharmacists, respiratory care
therapists, and social workers.�

����� This bill was prefiled for introduction in the
2026-2027 session pending technical review.� As reported, the bill includes the
changes required by technical review, which has been performed.