§3387.2. Registered addiction counselor

A. The practice of addiction counseling within the meaning and intent of this Chapter shall consist of the rendering of professional guidance to individuals suffering from an addictive disorder to assist them in gaining an understanding of the nature of their disorder and developing and maintaining a responsible lifestyle. The registered addiction counselor may not practice independently and may not render a diagnostic impression. The scope of practice, in addition to any other applicable provision of this Chapter, shall include making referrals to appropriate professionals, providing counseling to family members, and, as appropriate, to others affected by the individual's addictive disorder, and the utilization of KSA and core functions. The scope of practice shall in no way be construed to include services designed to address work organization productivity issues and employee client problems affecting job performance and the ability to perform on the job.

B. The department shall adopt and promulgate rules which govern registered addiction counselors in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

C. Any person seeking to be recognized by the department as a registered addiction counselor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner as the department shall prescribe. The initial application form shall be accompanied by an initial application fee as provided for in this Chapter.

D. Upon investigation of the application, the department shall, not less than forty-five days prior to any examination, notify each candidate that the application is satisfactory and accepted or unsatisfactory and rejected. If an application is rejected, the notice shall state the reason for such rejection.

E. The department shall recognize as a registered addiction counselor each candidate who:

(1) Is a legal resident of the United States at least twenty-one years of age on the date the application is received.

(2) Is not in violation of any ethical standards subscribed to by the department.

(3) Is not now and has not been a substance abuser or compulsive gambler during the previous two years from the date the application is received.

(4) Has not been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere to, a felony. However, the department may, in its discretion, waive this requirement upon review of the individual's circumstances. Each candidate shall sign a form prescribed by the department authorizing the department to obtain a criminal history or to conduct a criminal background check.

(5)(a) Demonstrates professional competence by passing a written and oral examination, and making a case presentation.

(b) The department shall determine the scope and administration of the examinations.

(c) The department may provide for circumstances under which a candidate who fails either examination, but who meets all other requirements, may retake the examination.

(d) The department shall make reasonable accommodations for those candidates who demonstrate a special need or disability.

(e) The department shall prescribe the scope and manner of the case presentation required by the provisions of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph.

(6) Documents the completion of ethics training, as prescribed by the department.

(7) Signs a form of professional and ethical accountability and responsibility as prescribed by the department.

(8) Documents the completion of supervised clinical hours, under such conditions as shall be determined by the department. The department may require that such supervision be conducted by a certified clinical supervisor.

(9) Provides three letters of recommendation as prescribed by the department.

F. The department may prescribe such other qualifications and requirements for registered addiction counselors as may be appropriate for the protection of the public or the enhancement of professional services provided under the authority of this Chapter.

Acts 2004, No. 803, §3, eff. July 8, 2004; Acts 2006, No. 427, §2; Acts 2018, No. 206, §3.