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Bill > S2003


NJ S2003

NJ S2003
Permits certain mental health professionals working in school districts to refer or help facilitate referral of students to private professional counselors.


summary

Introduced
03/03/2022
In Committee
03/03/2022
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2024

Introduced Session

2022-2023 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would permit a student assistance coordinator or a school psychologist or other mental health professional working in a school district to refer, or help facilitate the referral of, a student to a private individual licensed to provide professional counseling, for mental health assessments and services. An individual licensed to provide professional counseling would include, but not be limited to, a psychiatrist, certified social worker, licensed clinical social worker, licensed social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified psychoanalyst, or licensed psychologist. A principal or a school counselor will also be permitted to refer or help facilitate the referral of a student to a private individual licensed to provide professional counseling, after first consulting with the student assistance coordinator or a school psychologist or other mental health professional working in the school district. In the case of a student who is not legally permitted to consent on his own to the assessments and services, the student's parent or guardian will be notified of the referral or the facilitation of the referral, and the parent or guardian will be required to consent prior to the provision of any assessment or service by the licensed private individual. In the case of a referral or the facilitation of a referral of a student to a private individual licensed to provide professional counseling, the bill provides that neither the school district nor the individual making the referral or facilitating the referral will be required to bear the cost of the assessments and services provided to the student.

AI Summary

This bill would permit certain mental health professionals working in school districts, such as student assistance coordinators, school psychologists, and school counselors, to refer or help facilitate the referral of students to private counselors licensed under Title 45 for mental health assessments and services. If the student is not legally able to consent on their own, the student's parent or guardian must be notified and provide consent before the assessments or services are provided. The school district and the professionals making the referral will not be responsible for the costs of the private counseling services.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 03/03/2022)

bill text


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