The bill updates the licensure requirements for occupational therapy in New Jersey by introducing new definitions and standards aimed at enhancing the practice. Key insertions include definitions for terms such as "Client," "Continuing competence and professional development," "LGBTQIA+," "NBCOT," and "Occupational performance," which clarify the scope of services and populations served by licensed professionals. The bill mandates that continuing competence and professional development will be required for license renewal, necessitating evidence of participation in relevant educational activities. Additionally, it specifies that the director, in consultation with the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, will establish standards for these requirements.

Moreover, the bill modifies existing licensure qualifications by removing the requirement for supervised fieldwork experience and mandating that applicants pass an examination administered by the NBCOT or another recognized certification agency. It increases the number of required meetings for the advisory council from two to four annually and allows council members to serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. The bill also broadens the scope of occupational therapy services and eliminates the need for proof of fieldwork completion, reflecting updated licensure standards. Overall, these changes aim to modernize the practice of occupational therapy and ensure practitioners maintain a high level of competence throughout their careers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:9-37.53, 45:9-37.54, 45:9-37.55, 45:9-37.57, 45:9-37.61, 45:9-37.62, 45:9-37.63, 45:9-37-64, 45:9-37.68