STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 843

with Assembly Floor Amendments

(Proposed By Assemblymen COTTRELL and MALONE)

ADOPTED: DECEMBER 4, 1997

      These amendments provide for the licensing of clinical alcohol and drug counselors and the certification of alcohol and drug counselors by the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners. The amendments also establish an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee to assist the Board in the licensing of clinical alcohol and drug counselors and the certification of alcohol and drug counselors.

      The amendments also specify that a person who has been convicted of a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree in New Jersey, or the equivalent thereof or other indictable offense in another jurisdiction, may not be licensed or certified as an alcohol and drug counselor provided that the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners finds that the applicant or holder is unfit to engage in the practice of alcohol and drug counseling. The amendments also permit an applicant or holder of a license or certificate to demonstrate affirmatively, by clear and convincing evidence, rehabilitation after conviction for a crime that would otherwise disqualify him. If the board determines that the individual is rehabilitated, it must admit the applicant to examination or issue or renew the license or certification.

      In addition, the amendments stipulate that the uniform enforcement powers and procedures act, P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), regarding disciplinary and remedial authority of professional boards, applies to the provisions of the bill.

      These amendments make this bill identical to Senate Bill No. 685 (3R).