This bill amends Section 1 of P.L.2002, c.104 (C.45:1-28) to clarify definitions related to criminal history background checks for health care professionals in New Jersey. It defines key terms such as "Applicant," "Board," "Director," "Division," and "Health care professional," while specifying that the term "Health care professional" excludes nurse aides, personal care assistants, and homemaker-home health aides who are already subject to background checks under existing laws. The bill also introduces the term "Licensee," referring to individuals who have received authorization to practice a health care profession.

The act will take effect immediately and will apply to applications for initial licensure or licensure renewal submitted to the State Boards of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners, Creative Arts and Activities Therapies, and Dietetics and Nutrition on or after the enactment date. This update aims to streamline the licensing process and ensure that the definitions used in the context of criminal history checks are clear and comprehensive.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:1-28
Advance Law: 45:1-28
Pamphlet Law: 45:1-28