N.J. Stat. Ann. § 45:3B-1

The Legislature finds and declares that the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology needs to be regulated for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this State. The Legislature further finds and declares that peer regulation and the creation of a new board of examiners to carry out the provisions of this act are not in the public interest and it has devised a regulatory mechanism which is consonant with the licensing policies of this State.