This bill authorizes the State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors to require criminal background checks for applicants seeking licensure as alcoholism and drug abuse counselors, associate counselors, and certified technicians. The bill amends existing licensure requirements to include a new condition that applicants must apply for a criminal background check and must not have been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, any offenses listed in Arkansas Code 17-3-102.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section that outlines the procedures for conducting these background checks, including the requirement for applicants to undergo both state and national checks through the Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It specifies that applicants are responsible for any associated fees and that the board may issue a provisional eligibility letter pending the results of the background check. The bill also includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of the information obtained during the background checks, limiting access to the affected applicants and their authorized representatives.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1109 Original - 1-11-2023 10:49 AM: 17-27-408(a), 17-27-409(a), 17-27-410(a)
Old version HB1109 V2 - 1-18-2023 09:39 AM: 17-27-408(a), 17-27-409(a), 17-27-410(a)
HB 1109: 17-27-408(a), 17-27-409(a), 17-27-410(a)