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A3381 2R FISCAL ESTIMATE
LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ESTIMATE
[Second Reprint]
ASSEMBLY, No. 3381
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
222nd LEGISLATURE
DATED: JULY 2, 2026
SUMMARY
Synopsis:
Updates requirements for licensure in occupational
therapy.
Type of Impact:
Annual State expenditure increase.
Agencies Affected:
Department of Law and Public Safety.
Office of
Legislative Services Estimate
Annual Fiscal Impact
State Expenditure Increase
Indeterminate
�
The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) finds that the bill will
result in an indeterminate expenditure increase to the Division of Consumer
Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety to initially develop and
then periodically update continuing competence and professional development
requirements for licensed occupational therapists and licensed occupational
therapy assistants to renew licenses. Depending on the Occupational Therapy
Advisory Council�s resource allocation policies, however, the added workload
may or may not augment State administrative expenditures and be offset by
biennial fee revenues.
BILL DESCRIPTION
����� This bill establishes a requirement for the Division
of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, in consultation
with the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, to develop continuing
competence and professional development requirements in order for licensed
occupational therapists and licensed occupational therapy assistants to renew
licenses.
����� The bill defines �occupational therapy services� and
expands the types of issues in which occupational therapy may be sought to
include: parental health; women�s health; pelvic health and intimacy; LGBTQIA+
issues; sports and concussion management; disaster preparedness and emergency
management; and population health management.
����� The bill will also allow members of the council to
serve a maximum of three consecutive terms and requires the council to meet at
least four times annually compared to twice a year currently.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
����� None received.
OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
����� The OLS finds that the bill will result in an
indeterminate expenditure increase to the Division of Consumer Affairs to
initially develop and then periodically update continuing competence and
professional development requirements for licensed occupational therapists and
licensed occupational therapy assistants to renew licenses. Depending on the
Occupational Therapy Advisory Council�s resource allocation policies, however,
the added workload may or may not augment State administrative expenditures and
be offset by biennial fee revenues.
����� According to the FY2027 Governor�s Budget, there were
10,740 licenses in force under the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council in FY2025.
The council issues and sets fees for these licenses � the two-year occupational
therapist license fee is $160, and the two-year occupational therapist
assistant license fee is $100. The bill also requires the council to meet at
least four times annually, instead of the current requirement of twice a year.
The OLS estimates a marginal expenditure increase as a result of the additional
meeting dates, as members serve without compensation and may be reimbursed for
the expenses they incur in the performance of their duties.
����� Additionally, during the May 22, 2025, New Jersey
Senate Commerce Committee hearing, it was indicated that the requirement to add
these continuing education requirements may be an initial step for New Jersey
occupational therapy licensees to participate in interstate compact licensure.
New Jersey is currently not a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure
Compact, according to the National Board for Certification in Occupational
Therapy.
Section:
Law and Public Safety
Analyst:
Kristin Brunner Santos
Lead Fiscal Analyst
Approved:
Thomas Koenig
Legislative Budget and Finance Officer
This legislative fiscal estimate has been produced by the
Office of Legislative Services due to the failure of the Executive Branch to
respond to our request for a fiscal note.
This fiscal estimate has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980,
c.67 (C.52:13B-6 et seq.).