Bill
Bill > S3953
summary
Introduced
12/12/2024
12/12/2024
In Committee
12/12/2024
12/12/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill incorporates peer recovery specialists into current law and authorizes the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, in the Department of Law and Public Safety, to oversee the regulation of the specialists. As defined in the bill, a peer recovery specialist is an individual who provides services as a result of lived experience to other individuals struggling with substance use disorder or mental health problems. The director is to establish, among other items, the requirements to qualify as a peer recovery specialist. Additionally, the bill prohibits specialists from: (1) engaging in professional relationships or commitments that conflict with family members, friends, close associates, or others whose welfare might be jeopardized by that relationship or commitment; (2) exploiting peer relationships with current or former peers for personal gain, including social or business relationships; and (3) accepting as peers for recovery wellness services anyone with whom the peer recovery specialist has engaged in a personal relationship, including any family members or spouses. Moreover, an individual may only provide services as a peer recovery specialist and hold themselves out as a specialist if approved by the director. The bill does not inhibit (1) an individual's ability to provide self-help, sponsorship through support groups, or other uncompensated counseling assistance; (2) activities and services of a designated employee or agent of a private employer who is to be involved in the evaluation or referral for counseling of employees; (3) clergy when engaging in ministerial duties; (4) activities of trainees or interns pursuing a course of study in counseling; and (5) services provided by individuals as part of the scope of practice of the individual's profession.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for peer recovery specialists in New Jersey, defining them as individuals who provide services to people struggling with substance use disorder or mental health problems based on their own "lived experience" (personal history with substance use disorder). The bill authorizes the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs to oversee the certification and regulation of these specialists, including establishing qualification standards, conducting background checks, evaluating applicant eligibility, setting certification fees, and holding administrative hearings. The legislation sets strict ethical guidelines for peer recovery specialists, prohibiting them from engaging in professional relationships that could harm others, exploiting peer relationships for personal gain, or providing services to individuals with whom they have personal connections. Only individuals approved by the director may represent themselves as peer recovery specialists, though the bill specifically exempts certain professionals and activities from these regulations, such as self-help group sponsors, clergy, counseling students, and professionals providing services within their existing scope of practice. The bill will take effect on the first day of the 13th month after its initial effective date, ensuring a structured and gradual implementation of the new regulatory system.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 12/12/2024)
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/S3953 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3953_I1.HTM |
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