NJ S1405

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

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

Certified tobacco treatment specialists must complete the 42-hour Rutgers Tobacco Dependence Program and meet varying experience requirements based on education level (ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 hours of counseling or health care experience)

All tobacco treatment specialists must practice under the supervision of a licensed physician, and certified specialists engaging in independent fee-based practice must work under a licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialist

Existing licensed healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers) may continue tobacco counseling within their scope of practice without obtaining this new credential, provided they do not claim to hold these specific titles