The bill amends New Jersey's occupational therapy licensure laws by introducing new definitions and requirements aimed at enhancing the professional standards within the field. 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 introduction of a continuing competence and professional development requirement for license renewal, where licensees must demonstrate participation in relevant educational activities. The bill also outlines that the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, will establish the standards for these requirements.

In addition to these updates, the bill modifies the eligibility criteria for licensure by removing the requirement for supervised fieldwork experience and instead requiring a certification examination administered by the NBCOT or another recognized agency. It also revises the structure and responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, increasing the frequency of required meetings to at least four times a year and extending the term limits for council members to a maximum of three consecutive sessions. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the thirteenth month following its passage and will apply to initial licensure applications and renewals received after that date.

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