New Jersey Board of Nursing

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.