New Jersey Assembly Bill A2192

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Waives requirement to attend in-person continuing education as a result of public health emergency.

Impact

The bill stipulates that any individual whose in-person continuing education requirements are waived due to a public health emergency can fulfill those requirements through distance learning options, which include online courses or correspondence classes. This flexibility ensures that professionals are still able to maintain their credentials, even when traditional modes of learning are disrupted. The application of this bill extends to any licenses, certifications, or credentials regulated by various departments within the state government.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2192 seeks to address the challenges posed by public health emergencies, specifically by waiving the requirement for professionals to attend in-person continuing education courses during such emergencies. This legislation recognizes that during a public health emergency, facilities that typically offer in-person continuing education may be closed or inaccessible, making it difficult for professionals to meet their education requirements necessary for license renewal.

Contention

While the intention behind A2192 is to provide necessary support during unprecedented situations, there may be contention surrounding the reliance on distance learning as a suitable substitute for in-person education. Critics may express concerns regarding the effectiveness of online learning in conveying hands-on skills or knowledge inherent in specific professions that depend on in-person instruction. Moreover, there may be debates over the long-term implications of these provisions on the overall standards of continuing education in the state.

Implementation

The Division of Consumer Affairs is tasked with the responsibility of adopting any necessary regulations in order to implement the provisions outlined in this act effectively. This bill is critical as it emphasizes the need for adaptability in educational requirements in response to public health crises, ensuring that professionals are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control.