This bill amends the qualifications for initial licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) by introducing new criteria for applicants. Specifically, it allows individuals who hold a credential as an internationally certified alcohol and drug counselor and have completed 6,000 hours of supervised work experience to qualify for licensure. This addition is marked by the insertion of new legal language that states, “(c) Hold a credential as an internationally certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor and demonstrate completion of 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.” Furthermore, the bill removes the requirement for higher education for these applicants, as indicated by the deletion of the phrase “or” and the insertion of “, except that the board may not require an applicant for licensure pursuant to subparagraph I(c) to satisfy any higher education requirement.” In addition to the new qualifications, the bill maintains existing requirements for applicants who have graduated with an associate's or bachelor's degree in relevant fields, including the completion of specific hours of education and supervised work experience. The bill also stipulates that all applicants must pass testing procedures established by a nationally recognized credentialing entity, which are based on the core functions and practice dimensions of addiction counseling. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 330-C:17
HB1052 text: 330-C:17