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Bill > A2837


NJ A2837

NJ A2837
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 provided that: (1) the student has completed all required coursework; and (2) the institution appoints a staff member to mentor the student during participation in the residency or clinical program. 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.

AI Summary

This bill allows institutions of higher education to permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions, such as licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists, to graduate early or be matched with residency or clinical programs early during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years, provided they have completed all required coursework and the institution appoints a staff member to mentor the student during the residency or clinical program. This is intended to help address the national mental health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by enabling these students to enter the field more quickly.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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