I. CALL TO ORDER

This scheduled meeting was called to order at 9:45 a.m. in the Sussex 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 Vice Chair, Sylvia Lippe
Committee Member, Jamie Lugo

Excused:

Committee Member, Norwood Allen

Recused:

Committee Member, Lorenzo Puertas

Until the matter is resolved, Public Member, Lorenzo S. 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:

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

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion by Jamie Lugo, seconded by Sylvia Lippe, the minutes of the January 24, 2008 public meeting were approved as presented.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no members of the public present.

V. LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY

A. The Committee reviewed Public Law 2007 Chapter 327, which establishes a certificate of rehabilitation for certain person with criminal records. The newly enacted law authorizes the presiding judge to determine rehabilitation at the time of sentencing. The Committee accepted the newly adopted law as informational.

B. The Committee reviewed Public Law 2007 Chapter 207, which provides that information about residence of persons licensed by certain professional boards shall not be disclosed to the public. The Committee accepted the newly adopted law as informational, noting that licensees are required to indicate an "address of record" on the initial application and renewal forms. When a home address has been checked as the "address of record," it is considered public information and will be provided upon request.

VI. DAS MATTERS

The Committee reviewed the proposed new rules for Licensure of Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities ( N.J.A.C. 10:161B) proposed by the Division of Addiction Services (DAS) regulations. The Committee will submit comments addressing the inclusion of the CADC credential at N.J.A.C. 10:161B-1.8(a), 1,2 and 3 and 1.8(a)b(5). It was noted that the Committee will move to adopt the term "counselor-intern" and will suggest that the DAS proposal incorporate the term to replace "substance abuse counselors in training" to be provide consistency.

VII. OLD BUSINESS

A. New Jersey Department of Personnel

James M. Mason, Manager, Classification Management The Committee considered the request for clarification of the requirements for incumbents in the process of obtaining certification, and will advise Mr. Mason that N.J.A.C. 13:34C-2.3 details the requirements for certification and licensure. It will be also noted that pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34C-2.3(b) 2, a counselor intern is required to complete the supervised work within five consecutive years immediately preceding the application submission date. In order to be engaged in supervision, the 270 hours of alcohol and drug education would be either completed or in process.

In response to the request for clarification of the term "alcohol and drug counselor intern," Mr. Mason will be advised that term defines an individual in training working under the clinical supervision of a qualified supervisor as outlined in N.J.A.C. 13:34C-6.2(a) and who is working toward completing the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:34C-2.3(b)3.

B. Continuing Psychology Education, Inc.

The Committee reviewed a booklet which offered continuing education credit to LCADCs and CADCs. A letter was sent to Richard Schuman of Continuing Psychology Education, Inc., Newark, New Jersey advising him that the information in the advertisement/booklet was incorrect and misleading. Mr. Shuman’s written response to the Committee has prompted the Committee to again respond to the advertisement. A letter will be sent to Mr. Shuman advising him that the course is not approved. Mr Shuman has until March 20, 2008 to provide the Committee with a copy of a notice to the licensed individuals who have registered and /or completed the course since January 1, 2008. Failure to provide the Committee with the names of the individuals will require Mr. Shuman’s appearance before the Committee on March 28, 2008.

C. Gail Milgram, Ed.D., Rutgers School for Alcohol and Drug Studies

1. The Committee accepted as informational a memo dated February 15, 2008 with class rosters, evaluation summaries and certificate of completion samples for seminars conducted during January 2008..

2. Upon review of the February 12, 2008 letter which was submitted by Dr. Milgram in response to the Committee’s letter dated February 5, 2008, the Committee determined to invite Robert J. Pandina, Ph.D., Director of the Center of Alcohol and Drug Studies at Rutgers University, Dr. Milgram and counsel for the university to the March 28, 2008 Committee meeting to discuss the program and course offerings. Acting Director Lawrence DeMarzo attended this portion of the meeting.

VIII. FILED CONSENT ORDERS

Susan Braun, LPC, LCADC

The Committee accepted as informational a copy of the filed Consent Order in which Ms. Braun agreed to cease and desist aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of alcohol and drug counseling. She was assessed a $500.00 civil penalty.

IX. REVIEW OF CREDENTIALS

On a motion by Sylvia Lippe, seconded by Jamie Lugo, the following applications for licensure and certification were approved by the Committee as noted:

CADC Regular

Brown, Samuel

LCADC Regular

Figurelli, Gerard
Katlin, Evette N.

LCADC Upgrade

Romano, Dana

Approved to Sit for the Oral Exam

Nassbaum. Tammy A.

Approved to Sit for the Written and Oral Exam

Ananson, Heather
Burelick, John
Comfort, Adjei
Commander, Patricia
Gibson, Deena
Foat, Chiquita
Fragoso, Julio L.
Grippo, Gerardo
Hatim, Muhammad
Ingeton, Charles A.
Jackson, Jermaine
Lovero. Janet
Neil, Patricia
Ricciardi, Jr., Raymond A.
Simms, Yolanda
Sykes, Jo-Lynn
Wasek, George
Wheeler, Tracey
Yacker, Mark

IX. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for March 28, 2008.

March 28, 2008 August 22, 2008
April 17, 2008 (Thursday) September 19, 2008
May 22, 2008 (Thursday) October 24, 2008
June 27, 2008 November 21, 2008
July 25, 2008 December 19, 2008

X. EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Sylvia Lippe, seconded by Jamie Lugo, the Committee moved to Executive session to discuss pending disciplinary and confidential matters and to review pending applications.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Sylvia Lippe, seconded by Jamie Lugo, the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

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