SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3939

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 9, 2025

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3939.

      This bill requires the New Jersey Board of Nursing (board), in conjunction with schools of nursing approved by the board, to establish a Nursing Scribe Program.  Under the program, the board is directed to authorize schools of nursing approved by the board to grant academic credit to a nursing student enrolled in the school for the successful completion of a nurse scribe course.  At a minimum, the course is to:  (1) provide training and instruction in electronic medical records documentation and unit workflows, medical terminology, the applicable provisions of the federal “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996,” and the principles of medical billing, coding, and reimbursement; and (2) require the student to complete practicum hours, in an amount determined appropriate by the board, providing nurse scribe services

      The bill defines “nurse scribe services” to mean the provision of documentation assistance provided to a nurse licensed by the New Jersey Board of Nursing regarding a patient's encounter with the nurse that is consistent with the scope of the nurse’s licensure.