| This bill reorganizes the alcohol and drug counselor |
registration currently issued by the State Board of Alcohol and |
Drug Counselors by recognizing practitioners who provide public |
services at varying levels within agencies licensed by the Office |
of Substance Abuse in the Department of Behavioral and |
Developmental Services. This bill provides an alternative |
pathway to certification and licensure for persons without |
degree-level education by recognizing work experience in the |
field of alcohol and drug counseling as one of the criteria for |
certification and licensing. This bill requires an alcohol and |
drug counseling aide and a certified alcohol and drug counselor |
to be supervised by a board-certified clinical supervisor. This |
bill eliminates outdated practices and language as it pertains to |
examinations and reciprocity. This bill clarifies requirements |
for continuing education and inactive licenses issued by the |
board and makes minor technical changes throughout the alcohol |
and drug practice laws. |