I. CALL TO ORDER

This scheduled meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Somerset Conference Room, 6th floor, 124 Halsey Street, Newark, New Jersey by Committee Chairman Edward Reading who gave notice of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

II. ROLL CALL

Present:

Committee Chair, Edward Reading
Committee Member, Norwood Allen
Committee Member, Jamie Lugo

Committee Vice-Chair, Sylvia Lippe - Excused

Recused:

Committee Member, Lorenzo S. Puertas

Until the matter is resolved, Public Member, Lorenzo Puertas recused from attendance based on services he provides related to the profession that may be a possible violation of the statutory requirement for public board members.

Staff Present:

Susan Berger, Deputy Attorney General
Elaine L. DeMars, Committee Staff
Celeste Paige, Committee Staff
Vivian Lopez, Committee Staff

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion by Norwood Allen, seconded by Jamie Lugo, the minutes of the November 21, 2008, 2008 public meeting were approved as corrected.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no members of the public in attendance.

V. APCBNJ MATTERS

The Committee reviewed the Addiction Professional Certification Board of New Jersey’s newsletter and accepted it as informational.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies

The Committee will continue its review of the following courses and attendance rosters:

Class Rosters and Certificates of Completion - November 4, 2008

- "From Abuse to Dependency: Understanding the Process"
- "Impact of Addiction on Organizational Systems"
- "HIV and Aids: New Developments"
- "Initial Interview Process"

Class Rosters and Certificates of Completion - December 2, 2008

- "Adolescent Behaviors: Addiction Recovery and Family Issues"
- "Why Am I Going in Circles? The Route to Being Thrilled to Get Up Each Morning"
- "Treating Co-Occurring Psychiatric Disorders and Addiction: Taking the Mystery Out of Mental Illness"

VII. NEW BUSINESS

The Committee reviewed correspondence regarding a request to require certification for Sex Offender Treatment Specialists. A letter will be sent to Mr. Kowalski and Dr. Figurelli informing them that neither the statute nor regulations governing the practice of alcohol and drug counselors, professional counselors, rehabilitation counselors or marriage and family therapists allow for the recognition for the Sex Offender Treatment Specialist. In general, however, individuals licensed to provide clinical mental health counseling: licensed marriage and family therapists; licensed professional counselors; licensed alcohol and drug counselors as well as licensed clinical social workers and licensed psychologists, may provide counseling in the area if they have completed specialized training. The 40- hour program described in the fax may be considered toward the continuing education requirement if the program is approved by an approved continuing education provider in the respective regulations.

VIII. FILED CONSENT ORDERS

A. Robert R. DeYoung

The Committee reviewed Mr. DeYoung’s letter dated November 17, 2008 regarding the June 4, 2006 filed Consent Order for the Voluntary Surrender of License to Practice Alcohol and Drug Counseling. The Committee will respond in writing to advise that the language of the Consent Order was not written in error. Mr. DeYoung voluntarily agreed to the terms of the Orders which included the immediate voluntary surrender of licensure to practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and as a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of New Jersey. In signing both Orders, he agreed to the voluntary surrender "to be deemed a suspension with prejudice precluding respondent from applying for reinstatement . . .". .

B. Wayne Duncan, LCADC

A copy of the December 18, 2008 Order Granting an Unrestricted License to Practice Alcohol and Drug Counseling was presented and accepted as informational.

VIII. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for January 22, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at 124 Halsey Street, Newark, New Jersey.

January 22, 2009 August 28, 2009
February 26, 2009 September 25, 2009
March 27, 2009 October 23, 2009
May 29, 2009 November 19, 2009
June 19, 2009 December 17, 2009
July 24, 2009

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Jamie Lugo, seconded by Norwood Allen the Committee moved to Executive Session at 10:03 a.m. to discuss pending confidential matters and conduct investigative inquiries.

IX. REVIEW OF CREDENTIALS

On a motion by Norwood Allen, seconded by Edward Reading the following applicants were approved for licensure and certification:

REVIEW OF CREDENTIALS

Applications for licensure and certification will be reviewed and moved for approval.

A. LCADC - Regular

1. Dina Bishop
2. Roberta A. Braneck
3. Erica Leeuwenburgh
4. Penelope Proposi
5. Sheri Schuman
6. Linda Stewart

B. LCADC - Upgrade

1. Doris Lugo

C. CADC - Regular

1. Samantha Bowens
2. Laura Focaccia
3. Tracie Kennison
4. Lawrance O’Brien
5. Stephanie Schmidt
6. Tyrone Toliver

X. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Jamie Lugo seconded by Norwood Allen, the meeting adjourned at 12:28 p.m.