On February 13, 2026, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order 13 (EO 13). EO 13 extends the COVID-19 state of emergency for 45 days, until April 2, 2026, for the limited purpose of waiving the requirement that Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) enter into joint protocols with collaborating physicians.
We previously highlighted former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 415 (EO 415),which terminated the ability of APNs to prescribe medications or medical devices without a joint protocol with a collaborating physician effective as of February 16, 2026. Prior to EO 415, APNs were permitted to prescribe medications or medical devices without a joint protocol under COVID-19-era emergency exceptions.
In our previous article, we also highlighted Senate Bill 2996, which would permit certain APNs with over 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice experience to practice independently.
Signals Towards Governor Sherrill’s Position on APN Independent Practice
Apart from extending the impending deadline for APNs in New Jersey, EO 13 contains language that could signal Governor Mikie Sherrill’s position on APNs and independent practice.
Currently, 28 states grant nurse practitioners full practice authority, which permits nurse practitioners in those states to diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, initiate and manage treatments and prescribe medications. In EO 13, Governor Sherrill specifically mentioned Senate Bill 2996, and noted that “reinstating the joint protocol requirement for these advanced practice nurses only to eliminate it through subsequent legislation would lead to unnecessary disruption and confusion among patients and health care professionals alike.”
In EO 13, Governor Sherrill also noted that former Governor Murphy’s EO 415 “is likely to increase the strain on emergency rooms and urgent care centers; reduce the supply of health care providers; raise health care costs for consumers and small businesses; and create administrative burdens for patients, providers, and insurers, as the health care sector struggles to adapt to a new regulatory landscape.”
This language would appear to signal Governor Sherrill’s willingness to sign Senate Bill 2996. Whether she ultimately does so remains an open question and is likely top of mind for APNs and healthcare providers across New Jersey.
How Frier Levitt Can Help
Frier Levitt is actively monitoring the status of Senate Bill 2996. and all legislation and regulations affecting APNs in New Jersey and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
As New Jersey’s regulatory landscape continues to shift, proactive legal guidance is critical. If you have questions about APN independent practice, joint protocol requirements, or compliance planning, our team is ready to assist.
