Exceptions, requirements, certain advanced practice nurses practicing without joint protocol

10. This act shall take effect immediately, except that, notwithstanding any provision of P.L.2026, c.6 (C.45:11-48.1 et al.) to the contrary, an advanced practice nurse authorized to prescribe, authorize, or order medications and devices without a joint protocol pursuant to Executive Order No. 13 (2026) shall be authorized to: a. if the advanced practice nurse would have 5,000 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice within 12 months of the effective date of P.L.2026, c.6 (C.45:11-48.1 et al.), continue practicing without a joint protocol; or b. if the advanced practice nurse would have less than 5,000 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice within 12 months of the effective date of P.L.2026, c.6 (C.45:11-48.1 et al.), continue practicing without a joint protocol for a period of six months after the effective date of P.L.2026, c.6 (C.45:11-48.1 et al.), after which the advanced practice nurse shall be required to establish a joint protocol with a collaborating physician pursuant to the provisions of section 10 of P.L.1991, c.377 (C.45:11-49) and any hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice without a joint protocol shall be counted towards the requirements for practice without a joint protocol with a collaborating physician pursuant to section 10 of P.L.1991, c.377 (C.45:11-49).