summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
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)
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/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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