ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4679

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 5, 2026

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4679.

      This bill increases the scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in certain circumstances.  Under this bill, LPNs who work at a dialysis center and who also provide direct patient care to dialysis patients would be allowed to conduct pre- and post-dialysis focal assessments if the assessments do not require the judgement of, intervention from, modification of care by, or referral from, a registered professional nurse.  An abnormality must be immediately reported to the registered professional nurse.

     Additionally, under this bill, patient care technicians (PCTs) would be allowed to administer saline and heparin to dialysis patients.  Currently, N.J.A.C.8:43A-24.6(f)4 prohibits PCTs from administering medications.  This bill allows PCTs to administer saline and heparin and directs the Commissioner of Health to promulgate rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this bill.