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Bill > A1765
NJ A1765
NJ A1765Provides 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
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 colleges and universities, at their discretion, to permit students in their final year of graduate programs for mental health professions to graduate or begin their residency or clinical training early for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years, provided the student has finished all required coursework and the institution assigns a staff member to mentor them during their training. A "mental health care professional" is defined broadly to include licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and anyone else licensed to provide mental health care. This measure aims to address the national mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by potentially increasing the number of mental health professionals available sooner.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (5)
Anthony Verrelli (D)*,
Lou Greenwald (D),
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),
Lisa Swain (D),
Chris Tully (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/A1765 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1765_I1.HTM |
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