§3387.3. Counselor-in-training

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 status of counselor-in-training (CIT) is intended to assist professional development by providing qualified individuals with supervised clinical counseling experience. This status is, by its very nature, temporary and it is anticipated that the individual will progress through the experience to become a licensed, certified, or registered addiction counselor. The counselor-in-training may not practice independently. The counselor-in-training may only work under the direct supervision of a licensed addiction counselor, certified addiction counselor, or registered addiction counselor; or in the absence of a licensed, certified, or registered addiction counselor, under the direction of a qualified mental health professional. 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.

B. The department shall adopt and promulgate rules which govern the status of counselor-in-training in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

C. Any person seeking to be recognized by the department as a counselor-in-training 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, within thirty days, 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 counselor-in-training each candidate who:

(1) Is a legal resident of the United States and at least eighteen 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) Signs a form of professional and ethical accountability and responsibility as prescribed by the department.

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

F. The department may prescribe such other qualifications and requirements for counselor-in-training 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 2018, No. 206, §3.