The New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners has recently approved amendments to healthcare licensure regulations. Intending to address the health care workforce shortage in New Jersey, the amended legislation is meant to streamline and simplify the process for license renewal, reactivation, and granting licenses to out-of-state practitioners.
Effective October 2, 2023, the amendments to the regulations governing healthcare provider licensure by endorsement allow the Board to issue a license to an applicant if it determines that the state in which the applicant is licensed has standards for licensure substantially equivalent to New Jersey standards and the applicant has been practicing for at least two years within the five-year period prior to applying for a license.
Of course, applicants will have to show that relevant licenses are in good standing, undergo a criminal background check and designate a New Jersey statutory agent if they, themselves do not live or have offices in New Jersey.
The new rules also make it easier for individuals to reactivate or reinstate their licenses. Applicants for renewal shall submit a renewal fee, information related to previous employment while inactive, and evidence of completing the continuing education credits required for the current renewal period. Reinstatement applicants will be required to submit the same information but must also submit any past due fee from the last renewal period.
However, the new rules allow licenses to satisfy the continuing education requirements by submitting proof of compliance with another state’s continuing education requirements. Thereafter, only if the Board concludes that an applicant would not be able to practice safely, they could still require them to pass an examination, complete a refresher course, or meet any other NJBOE-imposed requirement deemed necessary.
(This blog, prepared by Campanella Law Office, is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific legal advice, nor is it intended to create or constitute an attorney-client relationship.)