NJ A4963

Creates two new regulated professions in New Jersey: licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialists and certified tobacco treatment specialists, both to be regulated by the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee in the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners

Licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialists must hold at minimum a master's degree with 18 graduate semester hours in counseling, complete certification requirements, pass a written examination from the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence, and practice under physician supervision

Certified tobacco treatment specialists must complete the 42-hour Rutgers Tobacco Dependence Program, with varying amounts of required counseling/health care experience (1-4 years) depending on educational background

Prohibits using the titles "licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialist" or "certified tobacco treatment specialist" without proper licensure or certification, and bars independent practice for a fee without appropriate credentials

Extends existing confidentiality protections for alcohol and drug counseling patient records to tobacco treatment patient records in accordance with federal regulations