The bill amends New Jersey's occupational therapy licensure requirements by introducing several key definitions, including "client," "continuing competence and professional development," "LGBTQIA+," "NBCOT," and "occupational performance." It establishes a new mandate for continuing competence and professional development as a condition for license renewal, requiring licensees to provide evidence of relevant educational activities. The Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, will set the standards for these requirements. Additionally, the bill modifies eligibility criteria for licensure by removing the requirement for supervised fieldwork experience and introducing a certification examination administered by the NBCOT or another recognized agency.

The bill also updates 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. It clarifies the scope of occupational therapy services to include areas such as parental health, disaster preparedness, and population health management. Furthermore, redundant references to the submission of proof of fieldwork completion are removed, as this is already covered by the requirement to complete an accredited occupational therapy program. The act will 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