Sherrill extends state of emergency 45 days to ease transition for health care providers
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Friday signed an executive order temporarily extending New Jersey’s state of emergency for 45 days to allow certain health care professionals additional time to enter into required agreements with supervising physicians.
Executive Order No. 13 extends the state of emergency originally declared under former Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 103 in 2020. The emergency, previously set to expire at 5 p.m. Feb. 16, 2026, will now remain in effect until 5 p.m. April 2, 2026.
The extension is intended to give advanced practice nurses and physician assistants more time to comply with regulatory requirements, including entering into joint protocol or delegation agreements with supervising physicians.
“With today’s executive order, we are providing more time for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to adjust to this new regulatory landscape, delivering on our commitment to make it easier for small businesses to thrive in New Jersey,” said Governor Sherrill. “Many health care professionals across New Jersey are bracing for impact as years-long state of emergency provisions come to an abrupt end. These sudden regulatory changes will have wide-ranging impacts on health care professionals and patients alike – potentially even forcing clinics and small, independent practices to close their doors, making it more difficult for New Jerseyans to access critical health care services.”
According to the administration, the expiration of emergency provisions could disrupt health care delivery statewide, including time-sensitive services, and affect clinics, surgery centers and independent practices. Officials said medically underserved communities and patients with serious conditions could face significant impacts.
For the duration of the extended emergency, certain statutory provisions that limit the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants will continue to be suspended and waived. Provisions related to physicians’ supervisory responsibilities will also remain suspended as they apply to physicians and physician assistants.
