Bill Text: NJ A4174 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Provides 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.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2021-03-04 - Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee [A4174 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2020-A4174-Amended.html

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[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4174

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

219th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED JUNE 1, 2020

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman  ANTHONY S. VERRELLI

District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)

Assemblywoman  VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE

District 37 (Bergen)

Assemblyman  DANIEL R. BENSON

District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)

 

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Provides 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.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As reported by the Assembly Higher Education Committee on December 14, 2020, with amendments.

  

An Act concerning the demand for mental health care professionals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

      1.  ¹a.¹  Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years, an institution of higher education, at its discretion, may permit a final-year student in a graduate degree program leading to a degree as a mental health care professional to graduate early or to be matched with a residency or clinical program early ¹provided 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 program¹.

     ¹b.¹  As used in this section, "mental health care professional" means a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or any other individual licensed or certified by this State to provide or administer mental health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession.

 

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately.