**** PLEASE SIGN. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY A FEE TO SUPPORT THIS BILL- YOU MAY SKIP THAT SECTION ****

For years, Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in New Jersey demonstrated their capability to enhance healthcare access amid the dire needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working under emergency orders, these skilled professionals provided essential services, proving that they can administer safe, effective care. Yet now, as the state aims to recalibrate, those vital expansions are at risk of being curtailed, posing a significant threat to patients, nurses, and small healthcare practices.

Prior to the pandemic, APNs faced restrictive regulations that limited their ability to practice to the fullest extent of their training. Emergency measures temporarily lifted these barriers, resulting in improved healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes. However, the rollback of these expansions means a regression to outdated practices that do not reflect the current healthcare landscape's demands.

The impact is dire: With the reinstatement of these archaic restrictions, many APNs are considering relocating to states with more progressive regulations. Communities that have come to rely on APNs for timely and specialized care will suffer, leaving patients without critical services. Additionally, small healthcare businesses that benefit from the presence of APNs are at risk of closure, destabilizing local healthcare economies.

A lasting solution lies in the immediate passage of Senate Bill 2996, which proposes to make these practice expansions permanent. By enacting this legislation, New Jersey can continue to harness the expertise of APNs to bolster its healthcare system, relieve physician shortages, and ensure equitable access to healthcare services. This policy change is not only necessary but justified by the proven track record of APNs in the state.

We urgently call on lawmakers to consider the needs and wellbeing of their constituents. Supporting APNs in New Jersey supports the community's right to accessible, quality healthcare. We urge everyone to sign this petition and advocate for the permanent expansion of APN practice in New Jersey.