I. CALL TO ORDER

The scheduled meeting of the Committee was called to Order at 9:37 a.m by Committee Chair, J. Barry Mascari, at the State Office Building, located at 124 Halsey Street, 6th floor, Hunterdon Conference Room, Newark, New Jersey.

II. ROLL CALL

Committee Chairman, J. Barry Mascari
Committee Member, Abbey Bradway
Committee Member, William Green
Committee Member, Barbara Maurer

Executive Director, Elaine L. DeMars
Deputy Attorney General, Susan Berger
Administrative Staff, Agnes Almeida
Administrative Staff, Celeste Paige

III. APPROVAL OF PUBLIC MINUTES

On a motion made by Abbey Bradway, seconded by William Green, the minutes of the April 30, 2008 public session meeting were approved as amended.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT The following members of the public were in attendance:

Benjamin Brisson, LPC Applicant,
Mikolaya Nynka, LPC applicant
Tammy Freeman, LPC applicant
Dr. Thomas Crawley, New Jersey Counseling Association representative

V. LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY

A. Assembly Bill 2735

The Committee reviewed proposed legislation which would prohibit employment and licensing background checks to go back further than seven years under certain conditions. On a motion by Barbara Maurer, seconded by Abbey Bradway the Committee voted to submit a letter in opposition to the bill as written and request information on the incentive/rationale for the seven year rule. The Committee made note of the protections provided by the Rehabilitated Convicted Offenders Act which declares that it is in the public interest to assist the rehabilitation of convicted offenders by removing impediments and restrictions upon their ability to obtain or to participate in vocation or educational rehabilitation programs based solely upon the existence of a criminal record. The Committee finds that in light of the protections provided to those with a criminal history record, Committee discretion is vital in the review of applicants for licensure to assure the protection of the consuming public.

B. Senate Bill 1815

The Committee reviewed this bill which requires disciplinary action against licensed persons to be commenced within two years of the course of action. On a motion by William Green, seconded by Abbey Bradway the Committee voted to oppose the bill as written because it will impact the ability of licensing board and committees to complete a thorough investigation process. The proposal will negatively impact public protection. Often consumers do not quickly file complaints regarding serious misconduct. Limiting the Board’s time frame for filing disciplinary action would force the Board’s to file more formal complaints without prior settlement negotiations.

C. N.J.A.C. 13:34-15.2, 15.4, 24.2 and 24.3

The Committee reviewed the notice of adoption for the cultural competence continuing education requirement. Effective with the 2010-2012 license renewal, licensees are required to complete at least 3 of the required 40 contact hours of continuing education in the subject area of cultural competence.

D. N.J.A.C. 10:200

The Committee reviewed a comment to the proposed new rule forwarded on behalf of the Division of Consumer Affairs. The In-Community Mental Health Rehabilitative Services for Children, Youth and Young Adults proposal would require clinical licensure for professionals providing those services. The Committee noted that the LAC, under supervision is permitted to work in a for-profit setting and such services are within the scope of practice.

E. N.J.A.C. 13:34-10 through 30: Regulation Sunset

Regulatory Analyst Maryann Sheehan briefly discussed the current regulations and reminded the Committee that the current rules expire March 22, 2009. Ms. Sheehan will send an electronic a draft copy of the Committee’s proposed regulation changes to each member for further discussion and revision prior to the July 10, 2008 meeting.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE

A. Stacy Haines, LPC

The Committee reviewed Ms. Haynes request for Committee approval to hire graduate level counseling program students in an effort to provide counseling for families. On a motion by William Green, seconded by Abbey Bradway, the Committee agreed that Ms. Hayne’s description of her services was vague. Ms. Haynes will be informed that pursuant to N.J.S.A 45:8B-48(c) if the counseling services, under supervision, are part of a planned educational program the students are allowed to provide service but she must contact the educational institution if she wishes to supervise internship practicums. She will also be advised that should the institution approve her as a supervisor for the practicums, she is to instruct the students to apply for the licensed associate or professional counselor license upon completion of the graduate program.

B. Dawn Lacy, LMFT

The Committee reviewed an email submitted by Ms. Lacy which request clarification of the graduate degree and supervised work experience requirement and whether the licensed associate counselor credential can be granted before completion of the 60 graduate counseling credit. In response, Ms. Lacy will be informed that the licensed associate counselor credential requires the completion of sixty (60) graduate credits in counseling.

C. Pennsylvania Certification of Licensure

The Committee reviewed a notice forward by the Pennsylvania Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors which indicated that Pennsylvania will no longer accept verification letters forwarded by applicants. All verification and letters of good standing must come directly from the state boards. The Committee accepted this notice as informational.

VII. GRADUATE COUNSELOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Montclair State University - Dr. Catherine Roland. Ph.D. The Committee reviewed Dr. Roland’s announcement that effective Fall 2009 Montclair State University will offer a Ph.D. in Counselor Education program. The Committee accepted the announcement as informational.

VIII. National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Matters

A. NCE Score Report - April 12, 2008

The Committee reviewed the National Counselor Examination score report for April 12, 2008 and accepted the report as informational.

B. NCE Approval Process

The Committee continued its discussions regarding the implementation of an approval process for applicants for licensure in New Jersey. The Committee’s goal was to maintain professional integrity by reviewing course work and degree titles, limiting denials for licensure due to insufficient course work and inappropriate graduate degrees.

Executive Director DeMars informed the Committee that the National Board of Certified Counselors has advised that a contract is needed before Committee approval is required to sit for the examination.

IX. New Jersey Counseling Association (NJCA) Matters

The Committee reviewed a note of appreciation forwarded by F. Jennifer Cooper for the Committee’s participation at the April 28, 2008 NJCA Annual Conference.

X. American Association of State Counseling Boards Matters

A. Board Certified Professional Counselor

As a point of information regarding a previously discussed matter, the Committee considered e-mail information regarding the American Psychotherapy Association’s credential: Board Certified Professional Counselor. The Committee agreed with language that stated that such a credential does not authorize the practice of a profession, nor the use of a professional title. N.J.S.A. 45-8B requires licensure for use of the title.

B. Dara Cattani

NCR (Portability) Article - Counseling Today

In response to an e-mail, the Committee will inform the writer that while the Committee supports the concept of portability, it continues to consider the matter and methods to insure that licensure qualifications are maintained for everyone licensed in this state. The Committee will advise Ms. Cattani to obtain information on the National Provider Identification Number at 800-465–3203.

C. J. Barry Mascari, Ph.D.

The Committee reviewed an email forwarded by Chairman Mascari regarding the University of Phoenix’s credential. Information suggests that degrees may be offered to registrants without qualifying educational background. The Committee accepted the e-mail as informational.

XI. FILED CONSENT ORDERS

The following Consent Orders have been filed:

1. Bernardo, Michelle - May 28, 2008

Provisional Order granting Associate Counselor licensure

2. Bishop, Dina - May 28, 2008

Consent Order for the unlicensed practice of Professional Counseling.

3. Hernandez, Luis E. - May 8, 2008

Consent Order granting Restricted license to practice Professional Counseling.

4. Novelli, Gianna - May 27, 2008

Consent Order for the unlicensed practice of Professional Counseling.

5. Parcero, Maryellen - June 5, 2008

Consent Order for the unlicensed practice of Professional Counseling.

6. Russell, Steve Gordon - May 28, 2008

Consent Order for the unlicensed practice of professional counseling.

7. Stanton, Roseann- May 28, 2008

Consent Order for the unlicensed practice of professional counseling.

8. Rowlette Jr., Henry -

Consent Order (issued by the Board of Social Work Examiners) for the misrepresentation of credentials.

VIII. NEXT MEETING

On a motion by Barbara Maurer, seconded by Abbey Bradway the Committee agreed to cancel the August 7, 2008 meeting.

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2008:

July 10, 2008 November 6, 2008
September 4, 2008 December 4, 2008
October 2, 2008

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by William Green, seconded by Barbara Maurer the Committee moved to Executive Session at 11:07 p.m.

X. CREDENTIAL REVIEW

On a motion by Abbey Bradway, seconded by Barbara Maurer, the following applications were approved:

Licensed Associate Counselor Licensed Professional Counselor Crump, Kristy Bishop, Dina Favaloro, Ann Decker, Melanie Gordon, Kimberly DeFazio, Melanie Hubler, Kimberly DeSantis, Linda Koening, Alan Fung, Eileen Marino, Denise Kennedy, Daniel Masucci, Diane Kravchuck, Stephen Parcero, MaryEllen Levesque, Sylvie Rothenburger, Alice Lischick, Cynthia White, LaTonya MacDonald, Melissa Wood, Lysha MacNish, Edward Meisner, Jessica Nynka, Mikolaya Ogasawara, Liliko Otchy, Laura Piccininni, Eileen Piscadlo, Alice Sconiers, Erika Udovic, Susan Wetzell, Catherine

XI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Abbey Bradway, seconded by William Green, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.

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