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 mandates that individuals must be licensed or certified to practice tobacco treatment counseling, and it outlines specific educational and experiential requirements for applicants, including the completion of a master's degree, certification as a tobacco treatment specialist, and passing a written examination.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialists and certified tobacco treatment specialists must practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. It also emphasizes the confidentiality of patient information, prohibiting the disclosure of any confidential information acquired during counseling services unless in compliance 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