I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 9:20 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, Gina Kassel
Board Member, J. Barry Mascari
Board Member, Dawn M. Lacy
Board Member, Judith Owens
Board Member, Edward Reading
Board Member, James Verser Board Member, Ronald
K. Walthall

Absent:

Board Member, Amy E. Meckeler

Staff Present:

Deputy Attorney General, Jodi C. Krugman
Board Staff, Elaine L. DeMars
Administrative Staff, Aishah Figueroa

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion made by Edward Reading, seconded by Ronald Walthall, the Public Session Minutes of the December 11, 2008 meeting were approved as corrected.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT

V. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Elaine DeMars informed the Board of the email correspondence submitted by Deputy Director, Lawrence DeMarzo. Deputy Director DeMarzo inquires if the 40 credit continuing education requirement is excessive for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Ms. DeMars indicates that, to date, the Board has not received any formal complaints from licensees with regard to the continuing education requirement being excessive.

Professional Counselor Committee Liason, Barry Mascari indicates that he has not received any complaints from licensees regarding the continuing education requirement.

Ms. DeMars also reports that the Board has yet to conduct its continuing education audit for its 565 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Ms. DeMars will request the assistance of summer interns to help with the administrative tasks that the Board will face regarding the upcoming renewal audit.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE

A. Charlene Alderfer submits correspondence to the Board in which she requests Board member, Judith Owens’ presence at The College of New Jersey’s "Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy" class, to discuss the Board’s Three - Year Temporary Permit and licensure process. On a motion by Ronald Walthall, seconded by Gina Kassel, the Board determined that the request must be presented to Robert Campanelli, the Division’s Regulations and Ethics officer for approval.

B. Muriel Singer, Ph.D. submits correspondence

VII. LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY

VIII. AMFTRB MATTERS .

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Board Member Barry Mascari reports that The Professional Counselor Examiners Committee

X. NEW BUSINESS

XI. OLD BUSINESS

XII. NEXT MEETING

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be held March 12, 2009 at 9:00 a.m., 124 Halsey Street, Newark, New Jersey.

2009 Meeting Dates

April 16, 2009 September 10, 2009
May 14, 2009 October 8, 2009
June 11, 2009 November 12, 2009
July 16, 2009 December 10, 2009
August 13, 2009

XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Ronald Waltall, seconded by Gina Kassel, the Board moved to Executive Session at 10:48 a.m. to discuss pending complaints and confidential matters.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Barry Miscari, seconded by Edward Reading, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.