ALERT On
July 6, 2021 the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs issued Administrative
Order 2021-16, which supersedes and replaces DCA AO 2020-17 and relaxes
standards for the reopening and continued operation of nursing programs and
certified homemaker-home health aide programs. DCA AO 2021-16 removes a
majority of the restrictions established by DCA AO 2020-17, including
requirements for facilitating social distancing and the submission of a restart
plan. Though
the Administrative Order eliminates many requirements, all programs involving
clinical instruction must ensure that students comply with all applicable health
and safety standards, including the Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 Emergency
Temporary Standard issued by the United States Department of Labor,
Occupational Health and Safety Administration, when providing services to
patients. The
Division has also issued guidance
regarding best practices for these programs. To learn more, click
here.
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COVID-19 Immunization Administration by Health Care Practitioners-in-Training
On February 19, 2021, the Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs issued
Administrative Order 2021-08 and Waiver 2021-04, which permits health care practitioners-in-training, which are students in medical schools, physician assistant programs, and nursing programs, to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to patients upon direction from a supervising health care practitioner. The Order and Waiver defines a “supervising health care practitioner” as a doctor of medicine (M.D.), a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), a registered professional nurse (R.P.N.), an advanced practice nurse (A.P.N.), a physician assistant (P.A.), or a pharmacist (R.Ph.). The Order and Wavier requires a supervising health care practitioner to ensure that the health care practitioner-in-training has an attestation from a faculty member that attests that the health care practitioner-in-training is enrolled in an educational program, has completed the appropriate level of didactic education, and will have oversight while participating in a COVID-19 vaccinator program. The supervising health care practitioner also must ensure that the health care practitioner-in-training has completed CDC training in vaccination and is competent to administer a COVID-19 vaccine. Registered professional nurses and advanced practice nurses should read and familiarize themselves with the provisions of this
order.
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COVID-19 Immunization Administration by Additional Health Care Practitioners
On February 19, 2021, the Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs issuedAdministrative Order 2021-07 and Waiver 2021-03, which permits authorized health care personnel to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to patients upon direction from a supervising health care practitioner. The Order and Waiver defines “authorized health care personnel” as “licensed practical nurses, certified homemaker home health aides, dentists, respiratory care therapists, perfusionists, podiatrists, optometrists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and dental hygienists with local anesthesia permits.” A “supervising health care practitioner” is defined as “a doctor of medicine (M.D.), a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), a registered professional nurse (R.P.N.), an advanced practice nurse (A.P.N.), a physician assistant (P.A.), or a pharmacist (R.Ph.).” The Order and Wavier requires a supervising health care practitioner to determine if authorized health care personnel are licensed in New Jersey and have been trained and are competent to administer a COVID-19 vaccine prior to directing authorized health care personnel to administer the vaccine. Registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice nurses, and certified homemaker home health aides should read and familiarize themselves with the provisions of this
order.
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COVID-19 Immunization Administration by Additional Health Care Practitioners
On February 19, 2021, the Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs issued
Administrative Order 2021-06 and Waiver 2021-02, which permits a certified medical assistant to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to patients upon direction from a supervising health care practitioner. The Order and Waiver defines a “supervising health care practitioner” as a doctor of medicine (M.D.), a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), a registered professional nurse (R.P.N.), an advanced practice nurse (A.P.N.), a physician assistant (P.A.), or a pharmacist (R.Ph.). The Order and Waiver waives provisions of N.J.A.C. 13:35-6.4 that limit CMAs to administering injections solely in physicians’ offices, mandate physicians to make determinations as to appropriateness of treatment, and prohibit CMAs from administering vaccines that have received Emergency Use Authorization but have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Order and Wavier requires a supervising health care practitioner to determine if a CMA is competent to administer a COVID-19 vaccine and to ensure that the CMA receives proper supervision when administering the vaccine. Registered professional nurses and advanced practice nurses should read and familiarize themselves with the provisions of this
order.
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Registering with and reporting to the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS)
On January 5, 2021, the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs issued
Administrative Order 2021-04, which requires licensed health care providers who are authorized to administer vaccines to register and report to the NJIIS when administering a vaccine for COVID-19.
Registered professional nurses and licensed practical nurses should read and familiarize themselves with the requirements of this
order.
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The New Jersey Board of Nursing was established in 1912 to protect the health, safety and welfare of New Jersey's residents by ensuring that those who practice nursing are qualified and competent to do so. This board licenses registered nurses and practical nurses, and regulates the nursing profession in New Jersey. The board certifies advanced practice nurses, sexual assault forensic nurses, and certified homemaker-home health aides. The board accredits nursing schools and approves clinical affiliates.
The purpose of the Board is to:
- regulate the practice of nursing;
- approve nursing education programs and certified homemaker-home health aide certification programs;
- license nurses;
- certify homemaker-home health aides;
- regulate the duties of certified homemaker-home health aides; and
- ensure that nurses and certified homemaker-home health aides perform their duties in compliance with State law.
The Board protects the public by:
- ensuring that nurses and certified homemaker- home health aides meet the requisite educational requirements for licensure or certification;
- investigating and prosecuting nurses and certified homemaker-home health aides who do not perform their duties in compliance with State laws; and
- adopting rules, regulations and policies governing the practice of nursing and certified homemaker-home health aides.