45:2D-5 Requirements for certification as certified alcohol, drug counselor.

5. a. Each person applying for certification as a certified alcohol and drug counselor shall make application to the board on the form and in the manner the committee prescribes and the board shall immediately refer each application to the committee for appropriate action. Each applicant shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the committee that he has received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency and that he has:

(1) Had 300 hours of supervised practical training in alcohol and drug counseling acceptable to the board. This practical training may be part of the work experience pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection a. and may be completed under more than one agency or supervisor;

(2) Had two years of supervised work experience acceptable to the board which may be paid or voluntary time working directly with alcohol or other drug clients. This experience may include both direct and indirect functions. Formal education or unsupervised work experience may not be substituted for the required experience;

(3) Completed 270 hours of alcohol and drug education, including formal classroom education, workshops, seminars, institutes, in-service training and college or university work. This education shall be related to the knowledge and skill base associated with the functions of an alcohol and drug counselor. All education shall be approved by the board;

(4) Attended alcohol and drug abuse self-help group meetings as prescribed by the board; and

(5) Successfully completed an oral examination on the applicant's written case presentation; and

(6) Successfully completed a written examination provided by the board, which may be a written examination administered by a nationally recognized alcohol and drug counseling certification organization.

b. The experience and education requirements in subsection a. of this section shall insure that the applicant is competent in the functions of an alcohol and drug abuse counselor , which include: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, education and prevention, referral, consultation with other professionals in regard to client treatment and services, and reporting and recordkeeping.

L.1997,c.331,s.5.