New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2837

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

Impact

The bill responds to a pressing mental health crisis that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. By allowing institutions of higher education to facilitate early graduation or placement into residency programs, this bill seeks to expedite the entry of qualified mental health professionals into the workforce. This could help mitigate the negative impacts of the ongoing mental health issues faced by individuals during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The scope of eligible professionals under this bill includes licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers, thus broadening the net of available mental health care providers.

Summary

Bill A2837 proposes that, in response to the heightened demand for mental health care professionals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, institutions of higher education in New Jersey may allow final-year graduate students in mental health care programs to graduate early or to be matched with residency or clinical programs early. This provision is applicable for the academic years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, giving institutions the discretion to implement these changes provided that the students meet certain requirements. The bill aims to address the urgent need for mental health care practitioners in the state.

Contention

Despite the bill’s advantageous intention to strengthen the mental health workforce, it may generate discourse around educational standards and preparedness. Critics could argue that early graduation might compromise the comprehensive training required for mental health professionals, potentially affecting the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations. Supporters, however, underscore the urgent need for mental health services in a time of crisis, arguing that these measures will allow institutions to be more flexible in meeting the needs of both students and patients.

Companion Bills

NJ S897

Same As Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

NJ A668

Carry Over Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

Previously Filed As

NJ A668

Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

NJ S61

Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

NJ S897

Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

NJ A1589

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ A2133

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ A4224

"Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

NJ S3083

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ HB4355

Relating to a study of alternate ways to assure clinical competency of graduates of nursing educational programs.

NJ S1176

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ SB1888

Relating to the establishment of certain programs to facilitate early high school graduation and enrollment at public institutions of higher education and to the repeal of the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program.

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