In this appeal the court addresses a question of first impression: is a licensed practical nurse a "licensed person" as defined in and covered by the Affidavit of Merit (AOM) statute, N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-26 to -29. Defendant Susan Junod, a licensed practical nurse, appeals from orders declaring that plaintiff did not need to file an AOM to pursue professional-negligence claims against her and denying her motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to provide an AOM. The court affirms both orders because the AOM statute applies only to certain specified "licensed person[s]" and a licensed practical nurse is not included in the statute.