Modifies requirements for licensure in marriage and family therapy.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Yvonne Lopez

New Jersey bill updates licensure standards for marriage and family therapists, clarifying education, supervised hours, exams, and continued education to modernize practice.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Regulated Professions Committee

Overview

A 5116 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature) amends the licensure requirements for marriage and family therapists. The bill, sponsored with co-sponsor Yvonne Lopez, aims to modify existing standards to obtain and maintain professional licensure in this field. The exact changes are described in the provisions below, with attention to who is affected and relevant timelines.

Purpose and intent

To update and clarify licensure standards for marriage and family therapists in New Jersey.

To ensure qualificiations align with current professional practice, training, and credentialing norms.

To potentially broaden or tighten eligibility criteria, streamline the licensure process, or adjust continuing education requirements.

Key provisions and changes

Revisions to licensure prerequisites: The bill modifies what applicants must demonstrate to be eligible for initial licensure. This may include adjustments to required education level, clinical training hours, or supervision stipulations.

Supervision and internship requirements: Changes to the amount or type of supervised clinical experience required before full licensure, including whether experience must be obtained post-graduate or within certain approved settings.

Continuing education: Adjustments to mandatory continuing education (CE) hours or topics to maintain licensure, including frequency and acceptable providers.

Examination and credentialing: Possible updates to examination requirements, including the use of national or state-specific exams and any alternative pathways for licensure.

Scope of practice and professional standards: Clarifications of permitted practices under licensure and expectations for professional conduct or ethical standards.

Licensure issuance and renewal processes: Revisions to application procedures, timelines, renewal requirements, and penalties for non-compliance or lapses in licensure.

Transitional provisions: If relevant, provisions addressing current licensees who must meet new standards by a defined date.

Who is affected

Prospective applicants seeking licensure as marriage and family therapists in New Jersey.

Currently licensed marriage and family therapists, who may be subject to transition provisions or updated CE requirements.

Employers and internship sites that supervise clinical hours for licensure candidates.

Professional boards or oversight agencies responsible for licensure administration.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill would specify effective dates for new standards (e.g., when the new licensure criteria become applicable to new applicants and/or existing licensees).

Transitional rules may outline timelines for meeting revised requirements.

Implementation steps could include regulatory rulemaking by the licensing board to align with statutory changes.

Potential impact

Clarifies and potentially modernizes the path to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in New Jersey.

Affects the balance between educational/training requirements and practical supervised experience.

May influence the supply of licensed professionals, availability of supervised training opportunities, and cost/time to licensure.

Ensures alignment with current professional practices and ethical standards.

Bill