The New Jersey Board of Nursing (NJBON) has recently moved forward with several significant updates that are shaping the state’s nursing licensure landscape. As of August 2025, the board revoked 20 nursing licenses and nullified 26 temporary licenses tied to fraudulent diploma issuances. The board continues to implement stricter renewal standards and expand its role in regulating nursing education, licensure, and practice throughout the Garden State.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the board’s latest actions, what they mean for nurses and applicants, and the broader implications for healthcare in New Jersey.
Table of Contents
Mission and Key Responsibilities of the Board
The New Jersey Board of Nursing carries the mandate to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring nursing professionals are qualified and competent. Its core responsibilities include:
- Licensing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
- Certifying advanced practice nurses (APNs)
- Approving nursing education programs and clinical affiliates
- Investigating complaints, conducting disciplinary actions
- Setting continuing education (CE) requirements and practice regulations
By maintaining oversight on both educational and practice fronts, the board ensures that nursing care in New Jersey meets high standards.
Recent Disciplinary Action: Revocations and Nullifications
One of the most noteworthy recent updates involves the board’s disciplinary action: rescinding 20 full nursing licenses and nullifying 26 temporary licenses. These actions stem from an investigation into diploma mills and fraudulently issued credentials. By taking such decisive steps, the board underscores its commitment to compliance and public protection.
For nurses, this means heightened awareness of credential verification, transparent documentation of education, and strict adherence to licensure regulations. Prospective applicants should confirm that educational credentials meet board-approved program standards to avoid future complications.
Licensure Processes: What to Know in 2025
Applicants and practicing nurses should be aware of the current licensure processes managed by the board, including:
- Initial Licensure (by Exam or Endorsement): RNs and LPNs must complete approved education programs and pass licensure exams (or meet endorsement criteria).
- Multistate Licensure Eligibility: New Jersey participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Qualified applicants may obtain a multistate license if they meet uniform requirements.
- Temporary Courtesy Licenses: For out-of-state nurses who meet certain criteria, a temporary license may be issued for one year, with possibilities for extension.
- Biennial Renewal: Most licenses must be renewed every two years. Active licenses typically have higher renewal fees than inactive statuses. Late fees and administrative suspensions apply if renewal deadlines are missed.
These steps ensure that all licensed nurses remain accountable and current in their credentials.
Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements
Continuing education remains a vital component of nursing licensure in New Jersey. Key requirements include:
- A minimum of 30 contact hours over the two-year renewal period for RNs and LPNs.
- One hour focused on prescription opioid drugs (topics including alternatives to opioids, risks of diversion).
- One one-time hour on organ and tissue donation and recovery processes for RNs.
- Documentation of CE must be retained for at least five years.
- Failure to renew on time may lead to a 30-day grace period with late fee; beyond that the board may administratively suspend the license.
Nurses should plan ahead for these requirements, especially given the board’s stronger oversight of compliance.
Workforce Data and Supply Challenges
Collaborating with the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN), the board analyses workforce data showing that New Jersey is among the states with the largest projected registered nurse (RN) shortages through 2036. These trends include:
- An aging nursing workforce and population
- Increased demand for healthcare services
- Faculty and enrollment bottlenecks in nursing education programs
- Higher vacancy rates for APNs, especially in underserved regions
These findings highlight the board’s role not only in regulation but also in workforce planning. Stakeholders view the data as a call to expand nursing education capacity and streamline licensure processes.
Legislative Developments Impacting the Board
Relevant legislation under review — such as Assembly Bill 944 — aims to revise practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses. The bill, if passed, would allow APNs with more than a specified number of hours or months of experience to practice without a collaborating physician protocol. The New Jersey Board of Nursing would play a key role in implementing any regulatory changes tied to this legislation.
These proposed changes reflect a broader shift toward greater nursing autonomy in New Jersey, which the board must regulate, monitor, and integrate into policy.
Education Program Approval and Oversight
The board reviews and approves nursing education programs within the state. By collaborating with NJCCN and others, it ensures:
- Curriculum standards meet national criteria
- Clinical affiliates are appropriately supervised
- Graduates are eligible for licensure
- Enrolment aligns with workforce demand
With New Jersey facing looming shortages, the board’s role in approving new programs and monitoring educational capacity remains critical.
Public Reporting and Transparency
To maintain accountability, the board provides:
- Investigation and disciplinary outcome listings
- Licensing verification tools for employers and the public
- Alerts about revoked licenses and policy updates
- Guidance on ethics, scope of practice, and continuing education
These transparency measures reinforce the board’s commitment to public protection and professional integrity.
What This Means for Nurses and Applicants
For practicing nurses or those seeking licensure, these updates translate into practical take-aways:
- Verify your credentials: Ensure your education program is board-approved and documented.
- Stay current with CE: Mark renewal deadlines, track your contact hours, and retain proof.
- Understand practice scope: If you are an APN, track legislative changes that may affect your authority under board rules.
- Check license status: Use the board’s online verification tools regularly.
- Consider workforce trends: With shortages projected, opportunities may expand—but compliance remains essential.
Looking Ahead
The New Jersey Board of Nursing’s recent disciplinary actions, tightening of renewal oversight, collaboration with workforce data stakeholders, and involvement in legislative developments highlight the evolving landscape of nursing regulation in the state. For nurses, applicants, employers, educators, and policymakers, the board’s role remains central and dynamic.
If you are involved in nursing practice or education in New Jersey, staying updated on the board’s rules, requirements, and announcements is essential.
If you’re a nurse or applicant in New Jersey, what changes have you noticed recently with the Board of Nursing? Share your thoughts below to join the conversation and stay informed.