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." These definitions aim to clarify the scope of practice and the populations served by licensed professionals. A significant change is the introduction of a continuing competence and professional development requirement for licensure renewal, ensuring that occupational therapists and assistants keep their skills current. The Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, will establish standards for these continuing education programs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the eligibility criteria for licensure by eliminating the requirement for supervised fieldwork experience and instead requiring successful completion of an examination administered by the NBCOT or another recognized certification agency. It also updates the structure and responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, increasing the number of required meetings from two to four per year and extending council members' term limits from two to three consecutive terms. Overall, these changes are designed to enhance professional standards and improve the practice of occupational therapy in New Jersey.

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