I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 9:26 a.m. by Board Chair James Verser who read the notice of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

II. ROLL CALL

Present:

Board Member, Ben Beitin
Board Member, Dawn M. Lacy
Board Member, J. Barry Mascari
Board Member, Amy E. Meckeler
Board Member, Judith Owens
Board Member, Edward Reading
Board Member, James Verser
Board Member, Ronald K. Walthall

Excused:

Board Member, Samira Haddad
Board Member, Gina Kassel

Staff Present:

Executive Director, Elaine L. DeMars
Deputy Attorney General, Jodi C. Krugman
Administrative Staff, Celeste Paige
Administrative Staff, Aishah Figueroa

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion made by Edward Reading, seconded by Ben Beitin, and unanimous vote, the Public Session Minutes of the November 15, 2007 meeting were approved as corrected.

On a motion made by Ronald Walthall, seconded by Ben Beitin, and unanimous vote, the Public Session Minutes of the January 10, 2008 meeting were approved as corrected.

IV. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director, Elaine DeMars, reports that Attorney General Anne Milgram has announced that she will seek approval for the appointment of David Suchman, Esq. as Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. The confirmation hearing is scheduled for February 14, 2008. Acting Director, Lawrence DeMarzo will assume responsibilities as Deputy Director of the Division. Ms. DeMars also informed the Board that the renewal notice for the upcoming renewal period has been forwarded to the Director’s office for final approval. The notice will be posted on the Board’s website once approved.

V. CORRESPONDENCE

A. Martin Tashman

Michael W. Kiernan submitted correspondence to the Board on behalf of Dr. Martin Tashman in which Mr. Kiernan requests the Board’s opinion regarding Dr. Tashman’s drafted form agreement. The Board will inform Dr. Tashman that it does not provide legal advice or opinions. However, the Board will forward Dr. Tashman a copy of the regulations, and suggest he contact AMFT-NJ’s ethics committee.

B. Aarti Mathur

Ms. Mathur submitted correspondence to the Board regarding the modification to Capella University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. Two additional classes were added, as well as the removal of one 300-hour internship. Ms. Mathur previously submitted correspondence in 2005 requesting the Board’s approval of the program. The Board will inform Ms. Mathur that the modification to the Master’s program does not have any bearing on the educational requirement for licensure and that documentation of the course work areas pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-4.3 is required.

The Board will also clarify the statement made in the correspondence dated September 2005, in which the Board indicated that "Capella University meets the examination and experiential requirements." The Capella program may meet the academic requirements, however, it does not address the examination and experiential requirements.

VI. LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY

A. Cultural Competency - Continuing Education

Regulatory Analyst, Maryann Sheehan addressed the Board to finalize the Professional Counselor Cultural Competency continuing education regulation adoption. On a motion by Ben Beitin, seconded by Ronald Walthall, the Board voted to approve the change in terminology from "diversity" to "competency" on adoption.

B. Legislative Report

The Fourth Quarter Legislative Report for October 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 was presented for Board review. The Board accepted the report as informational.

C. Approval of Assembly Bill 3623

The Board accepted as informational, notice of the January 13, 2008 approval of Public Law 2007, Chapter 327 which establishes a certificate of rehabilitation for certain persons with criminal records.

D. Approval of Assembly Bill 734

The Board accepted as informational, notice of the January 13, 2008 approval of Public Law 2007, Chapter 307 which provides that information about residence of persons licensed by certain professional boards shall not be disclosed. The new law supplements N.J.S.A. 45:1-14 et seq.

Ms. DeMars reported that licensees have had the opportunity through the renewal application process to provide a mailing, home, business and address of record. The address of record is considered public information. If one address is on record, and the Board has not been notified otherwise, that address is considered public information.

VII. AAMFT MATTERS

A. John Kohler

Mr. Kohler’s letter to AAMFT regarding New Jersey licensed Marriage and Family Therapist’s exclusion as providers of children’s mental health services in New Jersey was presented for discussion and accepted as informational.

B. Tarcila V. Sutterly, LMFT

Board Chair James Verser submitted email correspondence from AMFTNJ’s president, Tarcila V. Sutterley. The Board accepted as informational, an e-mail with information that the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services is lifting the moratorium on certifying agencies and individuals seeking to become enrolled by Medicaid as providers of Intensive In-Community Mental Health Rehabilitative Services for Children.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Regulations Committee

Board member Judith Owens reported that the Committee is finalizing a draft to revise the Three - Year Temporary Permit Application. Additional information regarding the supervisor’s report and will be included in the final form.

B. Professional Counselor Examiners Committee

Professional Counselor liason, Dr. J. Barry Mascari presented the January 3, 2008 minutes for approval. On a motion by J. Barry Mascari, seconded by James Verser the minutes and actions recommended by the Committee in public session were approved as modified.

Dr. Mascari reports that Tom Crawley from the New Jersey Counseling Association attended the February 7, 2008 Professional Counselor meeting to discuss information on the N.J.C.A.’s current initiatives including dissemination of information to clarify the requirements for licensure for work in non-profit and for-profit settings. Dr. Crowley also informed the Committee that the State Health Benefits Plan excludes the services of licensed professional counselors as reimbursable.

The Professional Counselor Committee continues to work on the review of the counselor education program curriculums.

Lastly, Dr. Mascari informs the Board that in response to the letter scheduling an Investigative Inquiry, Mr. Savage offered to voluntarily surrender his license. The filed Consent Order for Surrender of licensure with prejudice is recorded in the Professional Counselor public minutes.

C. Alcohol and Drug Counselors Committee

Alcohol and Drug liason, Edward Reading reports that the Committee continues to work on revisions to the regulations.

IX. NEXT MEETING

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be held March 13, 2008 at 9:00 a.m., 124 Halsey Street, Newark, New Jersey.

X. EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Ronald Walthall, seconded by Judith Owens, the Board moved to Executive Session at 10:47a.m. to discuss pending confidential matters.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Ronald Walthall, seconded by Judith Owens, the meeting adjourned at 12:42p.m.

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