HOUSE BILL NO. 488
INTRODUCED BY C. JUNEAU
A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT REVISING LICENSURE PROVISIONS FOR ADDICTION COUNSELORS; PHASING OUT THE GRANTING OF LICENSURE TO THOSE WITH ASSOCIATE DEGREES; AMENDING SECTION 37-35-202, MCA; AND PROVIDING A DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE."
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Section 37-35-202, MCA, is amended to read:
"37-35-202. (Temporary) Licensure requirements -- examination -- fees. (1) To be eligible for licensure as a licensed addiction counselor, the applicant shall submit an application fee in an amount established by the department by rule and a written application on a form provided by the department that demonstrates that the applicant has completed the eligibility requirements and competency standards as defined by department rule.
(2) A person may apply for licensure as a licensed addiction counselor if the person has:
(a) received a baccalaureate degree in alcohol and drug studies, psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university;
(b) received an associate of arts degree in alcohol and drug studies, addiction, or substance abuse from an accredited institution; or
(c) successfully completed at least 1 year of formalized training in addiction counseling in a program approved by the department or recognized under the laws of another state.
(3) Prior to becoming eligible to begin the examination process, each person shall complete supervised work experience in an addiction treatment program as defined by the department, in an internship approved by the department, or in a similar program recognized under the laws of another state.
(4) Each applicant shall successfully complete a competency examination process as defined by rules adopted by the department.
(5) A person holding a license to practice as a licensed addiction counselor in this state may use the title "licensed addiction counselor".
37-35-202. (Effective January 1, 2004) Licensure requirements -- examination -- fees. (1) To be eligible for licensure as a licensed addiction counselor, the applicant shall submit an application fee in an amount established by the department by rule and a written application on a form provided by the department that demonstrates that the applicant has completed the eligibility requirements and competency standards as defined by department rule.
(2) A person may apply for licensure as a licensed addiction counselor if the person has:
(a) received a baccalaureate degree in alcohol and drug studies, psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university; or
(b) (i) received an associate of arts degree prior to [the effective date of this act]; or
(ii) began a course of study in alcohol and drug studies, addiction, or substance abuse from an accredited institution prior to [the effective date of this act] and received an associate of arts degree before July 1, 2006.
(3) Prior to becoming eligible to begin the examination process, each person shall complete supervised work experience in an addiction treatment program as defined by the department, in an internship approved by the department, or in a similar program recognized under the laws of another state.
(4) Each applicant shall successfully complete a competency examination process as defined by rules adopted by the department.
(5) A person holding a license to practice as a licensed addiction counselor in this state may use the title "licensed addiction counselor"."
NEW SECTION. Section 2. Effective date. [This act] is effective January 1, 2004.
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Latest Version of HB 488 (HB0488.01)
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