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Bill > A2652


NJ A2652

NJ A2652
Requires annual suicide prevention training for mental health practitioners.


summary

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

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires annual suicide prevention training for mental health practitioners. Under the bill, mental health practitioners are to complete a minimum of two hours of suicide prevention training within one year following the effective date of this bill. Thereafter, mental health practitioners are to complete a minimum of two hours of suicide prevention training each year. Mental health practitioners are to submit proof of completion of suicide prevention training to the appropriate State Board of Examiners or Committee. The bill defines "mental health practitioner" as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, alcohol and drug counselor, professional counselor, associate counselor, rehabilitation counselor, clinical mental health counselor, psychologist, or psychoanalyst who is licensed or otherwise authorized to practice pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes. The bill defines "suicide prevention training" as a training program, provided online, in person, or through telephonic means, concerning the prevention, assessment, screening, treatment, and management of suicide in the clinical context that has been approved by the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety (division). The bill provides that the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs establish a list of approved suicide prevention training programs and a protocol by which providers of suicide prevention training may seek approval of their training programs by the division.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that licensed mental health practitioners, including clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, alcohol and drug counselors, professional counselors, psychologists, and psychoanalysts, must complete at least two hours of suicide prevention training annually. This training, which can be delivered online, in person, or by phone, must cover the prevention, assessment, screening, treatment, and management of suicide in a clinical setting and must be approved by the Division of Consumer Affairs, part of the Department of Law and Public Safety. Practitioners will need to provide proof of completing this training to their respective State Boards of Examiners or Committees, and the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs will be responsible for creating a list of approved training programs and a process for program approval, considering programs from nationally recognized organizations.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 01/13/2026)

bill text


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