Bill

Bill > S897


NJ S897

NJ S897
Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a national mental health crisis. In order to help address this situation, this bill provides that for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years, institutions of higher education, at their discretion, may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs leading to a degree as a mental health care professional to graduate early or to be matched with a residency or clinical program early. The bill defines a "mental health care professional" as a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or any other individual licensed or certified to provide or administer mental health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession. This bill will help to more rapidly expand the number of mental health care providers ready to address the critical mental health needs that have developed as a result of the pandemic.

AI Summary

This bill allows colleges and universities, at their discretion, to permit students in their final year of graduate programs for mental health care professions to graduate or begin their residency or clinical programs sooner, specifically for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years. This measure is intended to help address the national mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by accelerating the availability of qualified mental health care professionals, which includes licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and others licensed to provide mental health services.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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