The bill amends New Jersey's occupational therapy licensure laws by introducing new definitions and requirements aimed at enhancing the standards within the profession. 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 provided by licensed professionals. A significant change is the establishment of continuing competence and professional development as a condition for licensure renewal, requiring evidence of participation in relevant educational activities. The qualifications for licensure are also updated, including the necessity to pass an examination administered by the NBCOT or another recognized certification agency, while the previous requirement for supervised fieldwork experience is removed.

Additionally, the bill modifies the structure and responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, increasing the number of required meetings from two to four annually and allowing the council to set continuing competence and professional development requirements. The bill also broadens the scope of issues for which occupational therapy services can be sought and specifies that council members may serve a maximum of three consecutive sessions. Overall, these changes aim to improve the practice and regulation of occupational therapy in New Jersey, ensuring that licensed professionals meet updated standards and competencies.

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