RS 3387.2 - Registered addiction counselor; scope of practice
A.(1) The practice of registered 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.
(2)(a) The registered addiction counselor may not practice independently.
(b) The registered addiction counselor shall work only under the supervision of a licensed addiction counselor or other qualified mental health professional.
(c) The registered addiction counselor shall register his supervisory licensed addiction counselor or other qualified mental health professional with the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority.
(d) Supervisory contact between the registered addiction counselor and the supervisory licensed addiction counselor or qualified mental health professional shall be regular and documented, and shall be provided to the board.
(3) The registered addiction counselor may not render a diagnostic impression.
(4) The scope of practice, in addition to any other applicable provision of this Chapter, shall include making supervised referrals to appropriate professionals, providing supervised 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 board 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 board as a registered addiction counselor shall submit an application to the board on a form and in a manner as the board 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 board 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 board shall recognize as a registered addiction counselor each candidate who:
(1) Is a legal resident of the United States and 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 board.
(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 board may, in its discretion, waive this requirement upon review of the individual's circumstances. Each candidate shall sign a form prescribed by the board authorizing the board to obtain a criminal history or to conduct a criminal background check.
(5)(a) Demonstrates professional competence by passing a written examination.
(b) The board shall determine the scope and administration of the examination.
(c) The board may provide for circumstances under which a candidate who fails the examination, but who meets all other requirements, may retake the examination.
(d) The board shall make reasonable accommodations for those candidates who demonstrate a special need or disability.
(6) Documents the completion of ethics training as prescribed by the board.
(7) Signs a form of professional and ethical accountability and responsibility as prescribed by the board.
(8) Documents the completion of supervised clinical hours under such conditions as shall be determined by the board. The board may require that such supervision be conducted by a certified clinical supervisor.
(9) Provides three letters of recommendation as prescribed by the board.
F. The board 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 pursuant to the authority of this Chapter.
Acts 2004, No. 803, §3, eff. July 8, 2004; Acts 2006, No. 427, §2; Acts 2018, No. 206, §3; Acts 2020, No. 328, §2.