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New JerseyS1493221st Legislature (2026-2027)SenateWALLET

Updates requirements for licensure in occupational therapy.

Sponsored By: Joseph P. Cryan (Democratic), Robert W. Singer (Republican), Sterley S. Stanley (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

New license rules for therapy applicants

Applicants must complete an approved, accredited occupational therapy program and pass an exam from an approved national certification agency. The accreditation requirement is expressly added for assistant applicants. The law removes the statutory requirement to document 24 weeks of fieldwork for therapists and 12 weeks for assistants. Applicants who fail must follow the exam agency’s retake process.

Therapists can address more health needs

The law expressly includes services for parental, women’s, and pelvic health, intimacy, and LGBTQIA+ issues. It also names behavioral health, sports and concussion care, emergency planning, and population health. Therapists can provide these services in health, education, community, and social settings. The law does not change insurance coverage or payment.

Training required to renew therapy licenses

Occupational therapists and assistants must show continuing competence and professional development to renew their licenses every two years. The director, working with the Advisory Council, sets the requirements and credit total. The law does not set a number of required credits. The requirement can mean added time or training costs.

Therapists oversee assistants and students

A licensed occupational therapist’s supervision includes direct oversight of assistants, temporary licensees, and students completing required fieldwork. It includes making a treatment plan and checking how it is carried out. The Advisory Council sets supervision levels.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Joseph P. Cryan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert W. Singer

    Republican • Senate

  • Sterley S. Stanley

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Margie Donlon M.D.

    Democratic • House

  • Luanne M. Peterpaul Esq.

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 139 • No: 15

House vote • 6/30/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 71 • No: 5 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 6/30/2026

CONCUR ASMB AMEND

Yes: 33 • No: 5

Senate vote • 6/18/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 35 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2026, c.65.

    8/6/2026Governor

  2. Passed Senate, PBH — (33-5)

    6/30/2026Senate

  3. Received in Senate, 2RSC

    6/30/2026Senate

  4. Passed Assembly — (71-5-2)

    6/30/2026House

  5. Substituted for A3381 (2R)

    6/30/2026House

  6. REP/ACA, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    6/28/2026House

  7. TRANS Assembly Budget Committee

    6/28/2026House

  8. Received in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee

    6/18/2026House

  9. Passed Senate — (35-5)

    6/18/2026Senate

  10. Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate

    6/4/2026Senate

  11. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

    2/12/2026Senate

  12. Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate

    2/12/2026Senate

  13. Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee

    1/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Version AL2026

    10/20/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 7/2/26; 1R

    7/2/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Budget (6/28/26 1R)

    7/1/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Budget Substitute (6/28/26)

    6/29/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Budget and Appropriations Substitute (6/4/26)

    6/5/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 2/24/26; as introduced

    2/24/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Commerce (2/12/26 TR)

    2/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Commerce Substitute (2/12/26)

    2/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    2/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

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