ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 3381

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 11, 2026

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3381 (1R).

      This bill updates current law regulating occupational therapists.  Specifically, the bill requires the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs (the director), 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 also provides for council members to serve a maximum of three consecutive sessions and requires the council to meet at least four times annually.  Examinations required under current law will be administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.  Finally, the bill deletes redundant current law references to submissions to the director of proof of fieldwork completion because the submission is already required as evidence of the completion of an accredited program in occupational therapy.