SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1493

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 12, 2026

      The Senate Commerce Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1493.

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.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.