Bill
Bill > S797
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires suicide prevention training both as a condition of initial mental health licensure and as an ongoing requirement for mental health practitioners in the State. The bill requires that new applicants for licensure as a mental health practitioner complete a minimum of four hours of suicide prevention training and submit proof of completion to the appropriate State Board of Examiners or Committee. Following their licensure, mental health practitioners are to complete a minimum of four hours of suicide prevention training every six years. Mental health practitioners who are already licensed to practice on the bill's effective date will be required to complete a minimum of four hours of suicide prevention training within one year following the bill's effective date, and every six years thereafter, and provide proof of completion to the appropriate State Board of Examiners or Committee. The bill defines "mental health practitioner" as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, alcohol and drug counselor, professional counselor, associate counselor, rehabilitation counselor, clinical mental health counselor, psychologist, or psychoanalyst who is licensed or otherwise authorized to practice pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes. The bill defines "suicide prevention training" as a training program, provided online, in person, or through telephonic means, concerning the prevention, assessment, screening, treatment, and management of suicide in the clinical context that has been approved by the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs to establish a list of approved suicide prevention training programs and a protocol by which providers of suicide prevention training may seek approval of their training programs by the division.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that mental health practitioners, defined as licensed professionals such as clinical social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychoanalysts, must complete suicide prevention training as a requirement for both initial licensure and ongoing practice. New applicants will need to complete at least four hours of approved training before receiving their license, and all licensed practitioners will be required to complete the same amount of training every six years thereafter. Those already licensed when the bill becomes law will have one year to complete their initial four hours of training, followed by the recurring six-year requirement. "Suicide prevention training" is defined as any approved program, delivered online, in person, or by phone, that covers the prevention, assessment, screening, treatment, and management of suicide in a clinical setting. The Division of Consumer Affairs will be responsible for creating a list of approved training programs and a process for program providers to seek approval, considering programs from recognized national organizations.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S797 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/797_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1000/797_I1.HTM |
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