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 tobacco treatment specialists must maintain confidentiality regarding patient information in accordance with federal regulations. It also emphasizes that no individual may practice as a licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialist or certified clinical tobacco treatment specialist without the direct supervision of a licensed physician. The bill clarifies that individuals in other licensed professions, such as physicians and social workers, may provide tobacco counseling services without 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