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NJ S1493

NJ S1493
Updates requirements for licensure in occupational therapy.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill updates current law regulating occupational therapists. Specifically, under the bill, there is established a requirement for the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, to develop continuing competence and professional development requirements in order for licensed occupational therapists and licensed occupational therapy assistants to renew licenses. Additionally, the bill adds a definition of "occupational therapy services" and expands the types of issues in which occupational therapy may be sought to include, among other items, parental health; disaster preparedness and emergency management; and population health management. The bill will also allow members of the council to serve a maximum of three consecutive sessions and for the council to meet at least four times annually. Examinations required in current law will be administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Lastly, references in current law to submissions to the director of proof of fieldwork completion are deleted for redundancy because the submission is already required as part of the presentation of evidence of completing an accredited program in occupational therapy.

AI Summary

This bill updates the requirements for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in New Jersey by establishing a mandate for the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, to create continuing competence and professional development requirements for license renewal. It also expands the definition of "occupational therapy services" to include new areas such as parental health, disaster preparedness, and population health management, and clarifies that examinations for licensure will be administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Additionally, the bill allows members of the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council to serve up to three consecutive terms and requires the council to meet at least four times annually, while removing a redundant requirement for submitting proof of fieldwork completion as it's already part of program accreditation.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee (on 02/12/2026)

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/2026/S1493
Fiscal Note - Fiscal Estimate 2/24/26; as introduced https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1493_E1.PDF
Analysis - Statement SCM 2/12/26 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1493_S1.PDF
Analysis - Technical Review Of Prefiled Bill https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1493_T1.PDF
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1493_I1.HTM
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