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Bill

A 4202

Prohibits use of "Nurse" title by unlicensed person.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 3 co-sponsors

New Jersey law would prohibit unlicensed persons from using the "Nurse" title, protecting patient safety by reserving credentials for state-licensed professionals only.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Regulated Professions Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4202

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4202 would prohibit individuals who are not licensed as nurses from using the title "Nurse" or related designations in New Jersey. This is a scope-of-practice protection bill that aims to reserve nursing credentials exclusively for those meeting state licensure requirements. The bill establishes penalties for unlicensed individuals who misrepresent themselves as nurses.

Why is this important

Title protection laws protect public safety by preventing unqualified individuals from claiming professional credentials that patients rely on to assess competency. This directly affects patient trust and safety in healthcare settings, where patients may assume someone called a "nurse" has met rigorous educational and licensing standards. It also protects licensed nurses' professional standing and prevents unfair competition from unlicensed practitioners.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Debate may center on what related titles are covered (e.g., "nursing assistant," "patient care technician," "nurse aide") and whether legitimate unlicensed roles are inadvertently restricted
  • Enforcement and penalties: Questions about what constitutes violation, who enforces it, and whether penalties are proportionate to the offense
  • Healthcare workforce flexibility: Healthcare facilities may argue restrictions limit staffing flexibility or the ability to use descriptive job titles for unlicensed support staff who perform nursing-adjacent duties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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