NJ A5594

Prohibits state licensing boards from inquiring into healthcare professionals' history of receiving behavioral health care during licensure or renewal, except when a current condition impairs their ability to practice safely

Limits licensing application questions about behavioral health to only current impairments affecting the applicant's ability to perform essential job functions with reasonable skill and safety

Requires that any inquiry about current health conditions include assurances that applicants receiving treatment for behavioral health conditions will not face board action if not currently impaired

Mandates that responses about past or current behavioral health care remain confidential and cannot be used as the sole basis for denying licensure or requiring participation in a treatment program

Requires the Department of Health and Division of Consumer Affairs to train licensing board members and staff on handling behavioral health disclosures in a non-stigmatizing manner