This bill establishes professional licensure and certification for tobacco treatment counseling in New Jersey, creating two new regulated professions: licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialists and certified clinical tobacco treatment specialists. The Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee within the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners will oversee the regulation of these professions. The bill outlines the application process for both licensure and certification, requiring applicants to meet specific educational and experiential criteria, including completion of the Rutgers Tobacco Dependence Program and a written examination for certification.

Additionally, the bill prohibits individuals from practicing as licensed or certified tobacco treatment specialists without the appropriate licensure or certification and mandates that they practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. It also emphasizes the confidentiality of patient information acquired during counseling, aligning with federal regulations. The bill clarifies that individuals in other licensed professions, such as physicians and social workers, may provide tobacco counseling services without needing the specific licensure or certification, provided they do not misrepresent their qualifications to the public.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:2D-2, 45:2D-3, 45:2D-6, 45:2D-9, 45:2D-11