CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 700Introduced by Assembly Member Jones-SawyerFebruary 15, 2017 An act to amend Sections 11833 and 11834.27 of, and to add Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75) to Part 2 of Division 10.5 of, the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 700, as introduced, Jones-Sawyer. Public health: alcoholism or drug abuse recovery: substance use disorder counselors.Existing law provides for the licensure of adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services. Existing law provides the department the sole authority to determine the qualifications of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs, as specified. Existing law requires an individual providing counseling services working within a program to be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors.This bill would establish a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as defined, to be maintained by the State Department of Health Care Services. The bill would establish classifications for substance use disorder (SUD) counselor certification, as specified, to be implemented by the certifying organizations, as defined. The bill would require any person who engages in the practice of SUD counseling to be certified by a certifying organization, as specified. The bill would provide authority to the department to discipline a certificate holder under specified circumstances, as specified. The bill would also require the department to establish a registry of SUD counselors for purposes of employment searches, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to implement these provisions by regulation. The bill would make conforming changes to related provisions.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Substance use disorders are a complex problem with biological, behavioral, and social dimensions. There are an estimated 3.5 million persons with diagnosable substance use disorders receiving treatment in more than 2,500 private or public alcohol and drug treatment programs throughout California.(2) Substance use disorder (SUD) counselors serve a vulnerable population in California. In addition to professional counseling, treatment often includes medically assisted treatment and treatment for cooccurring disorders.(3) In California, there are no uniform standards for counselor certification, nor is there a central registry to verify the certification status of SUD counselors.(4) The State Department of Health Care Services oversees certified SUD counselors indirectly through certain certifying organizations. However, each certifying organization currently has its own levels of education and experience required for certification.(5) A standardized career ladder would correct this problem by providing employers with what they need to hire SUD counselors with appropriate levels of education and experience.(6) To address the changes in business practices and workforce standards required by substance use parity, and in order to integrate these services into the mainstream health care delivery system, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the federal Department of Health and Human Services released a report in September 2011 titled Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling. The SAMHSA report identifies a model career ladder for SUD counseling. Each category includes specific minimums for addiction studies education, supervised clinical experience, and the passing of an examination.(b) Therefore, in enacting this act, it is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Bring the states SUD counselor certification requirements up to national standards, as updated to meet our states workforce needs.(2) Protect Californians, consumers of addiction services, and families from complex, inconsistent SUD counselor certification standards.(3) Create a user-friendly single registry of SUD counselors that verifies certification status.(4) Provide a single, consistent, standardized system of certification that recognizes levels of higher education.(5) Introduce a tiered system that protects the workforce, recognizes multiple levels of SUD counselor education and experience, and provides recommended scopes of practice and supervision appropriate for each level.SEC. 2. Section 11833 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:11833. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to determine the qualifications, including the appropriate skills, education, training, and experience of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs licensed, certified, or funded under this part. part, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(b) (1) Except for licensed professionals, as defined by the department, the department shall require that an individual providing counseling services working within a program described in subdivision (a) be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors. counselors, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(2) The department shall not approve a certifying organization that does not, prior to registering or certifying an individual, contact other department-approved certifying organizations to determine whether the individual has ever had his or her registration or certification revoked.(c) If a counselors registration or certification has been previously revoked, the certifying organization shall deny the request for registration and shall send the counselor a written notice of denial. The notice shall specify the counselors right to appeal the denial in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.(d) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (c), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(e) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time that regulations are adopted.(2) The department shall adopt regulations by December 31, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.SEC. 3. Section 11834.27 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:11834.27. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to establish the appropriate minimum qualifications of the licensee or designated administrator, and the staff of a provider of any of the services specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11834.26. These qualifications may include, but not be limited to, education, skills, life experience, and training.(b) Nothing in this This section shall be construed to does not apply to credentialing or licensing of individuals or to certification qualifications established pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 11833). 11830) or Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).SEC. 4. Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75) is added to Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code, to read: CHAPTER 7.7. Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling11834.75. For purposes of this chapter:(a) Certifying organization means an organization approved to register or certify individuals as SUD counselors, as listed in Section 13035 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.(b) Department means the State Department of Health Care Services.(c) Substance use disorder counseling means and includes any or all of the following:(1) Evaluating a persons alcohol or other drug treatment or recovery needs, including screening prior to admission, intake, and assessment of need for services.(2) Developing and updating a treatment or recovery plan.(3) Implementing a treatment or recovery plan.(4) Continuing assessment or treatment planning.(5) Conducting individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions, face-to-face interviews, or counseling for families, couples, and other individuals.(6) Documenting counseling activities, assessments, treatment and recovery planning, clinical reports related to treatment provided, progress notes, discharge summaries, and all other client-related data.(d) Substance use disorder counselor or SUD counselor means a person who is registered or certified as an alcohol or other drug counselor by an approved certifying organization and who provides services or treatment at an adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.11834.76. (a) There is hereby established a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as set forth in this section. The career ladder shall be created, maintained, and updated by the department, as necessary, in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.(b) The following classifications shall be established for SUD counselor certification in this state:(1) Certified Addiction Counselor 5 (CAC 5).(2) Certified Addiction Counselor 4 (CAC 4).(3) Certified Addiction Counselor 3 (CAC 3).(4) Certified Addiction Counselor 2 (CAC 2).(5) Certified Addiction Counselor 1 (CAC 1).(6) Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).(c) (1) The CAC 5 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a doctorate degree in addiction studies or related discipline or have a medical degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 5 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 5 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(d) (1) The CAC 4 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a masters degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 4 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 4 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(e) (1) The CAC 3 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a bachelors degree in SUD counseling or a related degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 2 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment planning, education, documentation, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 3 may not engage in private practice.(f) (1) The CAC 2 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have an associates degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 3 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment plan monitoring, education, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 2 may not engage in private practice.(g) (1) The CAC 1 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED.(B) Have a 39-unit community college certificate in addiction studies from a chancellor approved program in a regionally accredited college or university, which includes the minimum education requirements for a CAC.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 1 may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC 1 may not engage in private practice.(h) (1) The CAC shall meet both of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED or 315 hours (21 units) of addiction studies education.(B) Have 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC may not engage in private practice.11834.77. (a) Any person who engages in the practice of substance use disorder counseling shall be certified by a certifying organization pursuant to the categories established pursuant to Section 11834.76.(b) Each certifying organization shall establish an application process to implement the certification requirements established under this chapter. Each certifying organization may establish a reasonable application fee for certification at an amount that is sufficient to cover, but shall not exceed, the reasonable costs of implementing this chapter.(c) (1) This section shall apply to individuals who first apply for certification on and after January 1, 2018.(2) This section shall only apply to a person who is currently registered or certified by a certifying organization as of January 1, 2018, at the time of renewal of his or her registration or certification. At that time, the certifying organization shall determine which category of substance use disorder counseling the person is qualified to practice pursuant to Section 11834.76.11834.78. (a) The department shall also establish a centralized registry for access by potential employers or employers for purposes of determining whether an applicant for employment or employee has the proper certification, experience, background, or education for the employment in which he or she is applying or is employed.(b) Consistent with Section 13075 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, each certifying organization shall provide the department with the information required under subdivision (a) for purposes of implementation of the registry.11834.79. The department has the authority to discipline a person who is certified under this chapter consistent with the requirements and procedures set forth in Sections 13060 to 13070, inclusive, of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.11834.795. The department may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 700Introduced by Assembly Member Jones-SawyerFebruary 15, 2017 An act to amend Sections 11833 and 11834.27 of, and to add Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75) to Part 2 of Division 10.5 of, the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 700, as introduced, Jones-Sawyer. Public health: alcoholism or drug abuse recovery: substance use disorder counselors.Existing law provides for the licensure of adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services. Existing law provides the department the sole authority to determine the qualifications of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs, as specified. Existing law requires an individual providing counseling services working within a program to be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors.This bill would establish a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as defined, to be maintained by the State Department of Health Care Services. The bill would establish classifications for substance use disorder (SUD) counselor certification, as specified, to be implemented by the certifying organizations, as defined. The bill would require any person who engages in the practice of SUD counseling to be certified by a certifying organization, as specified. The bill would provide authority to the department to discipline a certificate holder under specified circumstances, as specified. The bill would also require the department to establish a registry of SUD counselors for purposes of employment searches, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to implement these provisions by regulation. The bill would make conforming changes to related provisions.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill No. 700
Introduced by Assembly Member Jones-SawyerFebruary 15, 2017
Introduced by Assembly Member Jones-Sawyer
February 15, 2017
An act to amend Sections 11833 and 11834.27 of, and to add Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75) to Part 2 of Division 10.5 of, the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 700, as introduced, Jones-Sawyer. Public health: alcoholism or drug abuse recovery: substance use disorder counselors.
Existing law provides for the licensure of adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services. Existing law provides the department the sole authority to determine the qualifications of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs, as specified. Existing law requires an individual providing counseling services working within a program to be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors.This bill would establish a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as defined, to be maintained by the State Department of Health Care Services. The bill would establish classifications for substance use disorder (SUD) counselor certification, as specified, to be implemented by the certifying organizations, as defined. The bill would require any person who engages in the practice of SUD counseling to be certified by a certifying organization, as specified. The bill would provide authority to the department to discipline a certificate holder under specified circumstances, as specified. The bill would also require the department to establish a registry of SUD counselors for purposes of employment searches, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to implement these provisions by regulation. The bill would make conforming changes to related provisions.
Existing law provides for the licensure of adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services. Existing law provides the department the sole authority to determine the qualifications of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs, as specified. Existing law requires an individual providing counseling services working within a program to be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors.
This bill would establish a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as defined, to be maintained by the State Department of Health Care Services. The bill would establish classifications for substance use disorder (SUD) counselor certification, as specified, to be implemented by the certifying organizations, as defined. The bill would require any person who engages in the practice of SUD counseling to be certified by a certifying organization, as specified. The bill would provide authority to the department to discipline a certificate holder under specified circumstances, as specified. The bill would also require the department to establish a registry of SUD counselors for purposes of employment searches, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to implement these provisions by regulation. The bill would make conforming changes to related provisions.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Substance use disorders are a complex problem with biological, behavioral, and social dimensions. There are an estimated 3.5 million persons with diagnosable substance use disorders receiving treatment in more than 2,500 private or public alcohol and drug treatment programs throughout California.(2) Substance use disorder (SUD) counselors serve a vulnerable population in California. In addition to professional counseling, treatment often includes medically assisted treatment and treatment for cooccurring disorders.(3) In California, there are no uniform standards for counselor certification, nor is there a central registry to verify the certification status of SUD counselors.(4) The State Department of Health Care Services oversees certified SUD counselors indirectly through certain certifying organizations. However, each certifying organization currently has its own levels of education and experience required for certification.(5) A standardized career ladder would correct this problem by providing employers with what they need to hire SUD counselors with appropriate levels of education and experience.(6) To address the changes in business practices and workforce standards required by substance use parity, and in order to integrate these services into the mainstream health care delivery system, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the federal Department of Health and Human Services released a report in September 2011 titled Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling. The SAMHSA report identifies a model career ladder for SUD counseling. Each category includes specific minimums for addiction studies education, supervised clinical experience, and the passing of an examination.(b) Therefore, in enacting this act, it is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Bring the states SUD counselor certification requirements up to national standards, as updated to meet our states workforce needs.(2) Protect Californians, consumers of addiction services, and families from complex, inconsistent SUD counselor certification standards.(3) Create a user-friendly single registry of SUD counselors that verifies certification status.(4) Provide a single, consistent, standardized system of certification that recognizes levels of higher education.(5) Introduce a tiered system that protects the workforce, recognizes multiple levels of SUD counselor education and experience, and provides recommended scopes of practice and supervision appropriate for each level.SEC. 2. Section 11833 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:11833. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to determine the qualifications, including the appropriate skills, education, training, and experience of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs licensed, certified, or funded under this part. part, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(b) (1) Except for licensed professionals, as defined by the department, the department shall require that an individual providing counseling services working within a program described in subdivision (a) be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors. counselors, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(2) The department shall not approve a certifying organization that does not, prior to registering or certifying an individual, contact other department-approved certifying organizations to determine whether the individual has ever had his or her registration or certification revoked.(c) If a counselors registration or certification has been previously revoked, the certifying organization shall deny the request for registration and shall send the counselor a written notice of denial. The notice shall specify the counselors right to appeal the denial in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.(d) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (c), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(e) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time that regulations are adopted.(2) The department shall adopt regulations by December 31, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.SEC. 3. Section 11834.27 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:11834.27. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to establish the appropriate minimum qualifications of the licensee or designated administrator, and the staff of a provider of any of the services specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11834.26. These qualifications may include, but not be limited to, education, skills, life experience, and training.(b) Nothing in this This section shall be construed to does not apply to credentialing or licensing of individuals or to certification qualifications established pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 11833). 11830) or Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).SEC. 4. Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75) is added to Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code, to read: CHAPTER 7.7. Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling11834.75. For purposes of this chapter:(a) Certifying organization means an organization approved to register or certify individuals as SUD counselors, as listed in Section 13035 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.(b) Department means the State Department of Health Care Services.(c) Substance use disorder counseling means and includes any or all of the following:(1) Evaluating a persons alcohol or other drug treatment or recovery needs, including screening prior to admission, intake, and assessment of need for services.(2) Developing and updating a treatment or recovery plan.(3) Implementing a treatment or recovery plan.(4) Continuing assessment or treatment planning.(5) Conducting individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions, face-to-face interviews, or counseling for families, couples, and other individuals.(6) Documenting counseling activities, assessments, treatment and recovery planning, clinical reports related to treatment provided, progress notes, discharge summaries, and all other client-related data.(d) Substance use disorder counselor or SUD counselor means a person who is registered or certified as an alcohol or other drug counselor by an approved certifying organization and who provides services or treatment at an adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.11834.76. (a) There is hereby established a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as set forth in this section. The career ladder shall be created, maintained, and updated by the department, as necessary, in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.(b) The following classifications shall be established for SUD counselor certification in this state:(1) Certified Addiction Counselor 5 (CAC 5).(2) Certified Addiction Counselor 4 (CAC 4).(3) Certified Addiction Counselor 3 (CAC 3).(4) Certified Addiction Counselor 2 (CAC 2).(5) Certified Addiction Counselor 1 (CAC 1).(6) Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).(c) (1) The CAC 5 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a doctorate degree in addiction studies or related discipline or have a medical degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 5 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 5 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(d) (1) The CAC 4 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a masters degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 4 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 4 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(e) (1) The CAC 3 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a bachelors degree in SUD counseling or a related degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 2 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment planning, education, documentation, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 3 may not engage in private practice.(f) (1) The CAC 2 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have an associates degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 3 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment plan monitoring, education, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 2 may not engage in private practice.(g) (1) The CAC 1 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED.(B) Have a 39-unit community college certificate in addiction studies from a chancellor approved program in a regionally accredited college or university, which includes the minimum education requirements for a CAC.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 1 may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC 1 may not engage in private practice.(h) (1) The CAC shall meet both of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED or 315 hours (21 units) of addiction studies education.(B) Have 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC may not engage in private practice.11834.77. (a) Any person who engages in the practice of substance use disorder counseling shall be certified by a certifying organization pursuant to the categories established pursuant to Section 11834.76.(b) Each certifying organization shall establish an application process to implement the certification requirements established under this chapter. Each certifying organization may establish a reasonable application fee for certification at an amount that is sufficient to cover, but shall not exceed, the reasonable costs of implementing this chapter.(c) (1) This section shall apply to individuals who first apply for certification on and after January 1, 2018.(2) This section shall only apply to a person who is currently registered or certified by a certifying organization as of January 1, 2018, at the time of renewal of his or her registration or certification. At that time, the certifying organization shall determine which category of substance use disorder counseling the person is qualified to practice pursuant to Section 11834.76.11834.78. (a) The department shall also establish a centralized registry for access by potential employers or employers for purposes of determining whether an applicant for employment or employee has the proper certification, experience, background, or education for the employment in which he or she is applying or is employed.(b) Consistent with Section 13075 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, each certifying organization shall provide the department with the information required under subdivision (a) for purposes of implementation of the registry.11834.79. The department has the authority to discipline a person who is certified under this chapter consistent with the requirements and procedures set forth in Sections 13060 to 13070, inclusive, of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.11834.795. The department may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Substance use disorders are a complex problem with biological, behavioral, and social dimensions. There are an estimated 3.5 million persons with diagnosable substance use disorders receiving treatment in more than 2,500 private or public alcohol and drug treatment programs throughout California.(2) Substance use disorder (SUD) counselors serve a vulnerable population in California. In addition to professional counseling, treatment often includes medically assisted treatment and treatment for cooccurring disorders.(3) In California, there are no uniform standards for counselor certification, nor is there a central registry to verify the certification status of SUD counselors.(4) The State Department of Health Care Services oversees certified SUD counselors indirectly through certain certifying organizations. However, each certifying organization currently has its own levels of education and experience required for certification.(5) A standardized career ladder would correct this problem by providing employers with what they need to hire SUD counselors with appropriate levels of education and experience.(6) To address the changes in business practices and workforce standards required by substance use parity, and in order to integrate these services into the mainstream health care delivery system, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the federal Department of Health and Human Services released a report in September 2011 titled Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling. The SAMHSA report identifies a model career ladder for SUD counseling. Each category includes specific minimums for addiction studies education, supervised clinical experience, and the passing of an examination.(b) Therefore, in enacting this act, it is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Bring the states SUD counselor certification requirements up to national standards, as updated to meet our states workforce needs.(2) Protect Californians, consumers of addiction services, and families from complex, inconsistent SUD counselor certification standards.(3) Create a user-friendly single registry of SUD counselors that verifies certification status.(4) Provide a single, consistent, standardized system of certification that recognizes levels of higher education.(5) Introduce a tiered system that protects the workforce, recognizes multiple levels of SUD counselor education and experience, and provides recommended scopes of practice and supervision appropriate for each level.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Substance use disorders are a complex problem with biological, behavioral, and social dimensions. There are an estimated 3.5 million persons with diagnosable substance use disorders receiving treatment in more than 2,500 private or public alcohol and drug treatment programs throughout California.(2) Substance use disorder (SUD) counselors serve a vulnerable population in California. In addition to professional counseling, treatment often includes medically assisted treatment and treatment for cooccurring disorders.(3) In California, there are no uniform standards for counselor certification, nor is there a central registry to verify the certification status of SUD counselors.(4) The State Department of Health Care Services oversees certified SUD counselors indirectly through certain certifying organizations. However, each certifying organization currently has its own levels of education and experience required for certification.(5) A standardized career ladder would correct this problem by providing employers with what they need to hire SUD counselors with appropriate levels of education and experience.(6) To address the changes in business practices and workforce standards required by substance use parity, and in order to integrate these services into the mainstream health care delivery system, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the federal Department of Health and Human Services released a report in September 2011 titled Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling. The SAMHSA report identifies a model career ladder for SUD counseling. Each category includes specific minimums for addiction studies education, supervised clinical experience, and the passing of an examination.(b) Therefore, in enacting this act, it is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Bring the states SUD counselor certification requirements up to national standards, as updated to meet our states workforce needs.(2) Protect Californians, consumers of addiction services, and families from complex, inconsistent SUD counselor certification standards.(3) Create a user-friendly single registry of SUD counselors that verifies certification status.(4) Provide a single, consistent, standardized system of certification that recognizes levels of higher education.(5) Introduce a tiered system that protects the workforce, recognizes multiple levels of SUD counselor education and experience, and provides recommended scopes of practice and supervision appropriate for each level.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(1) Substance use disorders are a complex problem with biological, behavioral, and social dimensions. There are an estimated 3.5 million persons with diagnosable substance use disorders receiving treatment in more than 2,500 private or public alcohol and drug treatment programs throughout California.
(2) Substance use disorder (SUD) counselors serve a vulnerable population in California. In addition to professional counseling, treatment often includes medically assisted treatment and treatment for cooccurring disorders.
(3) In California, there are no uniform standards for counselor certification, nor is there a central registry to verify the certification status of SUD counselors.
(4) The State Department of Health Care Services oversees certified SUD counselors indirectly through certain certifying organizations. However, each certifying organization currently has its own levels of education and experience required for certification.
(5) A standardized career ladder would correct this problem by providing employers with what they need to hire SUD counselors with appropriate levels of education and experience.
(6) To address the changes in business practices and workforce standards required by substance use parity, and in order to integrate these services into the mainstream health care delivery system, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the federal Department of Health and Human Services released a report in September 2011 titled Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling. The SAMHSA report identifies a model career ladder for SUD counseling. Each category includes specific minimums for addiction studies education, supervised clinical experience, and the passing of an examination.
(b) Therefore, in enacting this act, it is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:
(1) Bring the states SUD counselor certification requirements up to national standards, as updated to meet our states workforce needs.
(2) Protect Californians, consumers of addiction services, and families from complex, inconsistent SUD counselor certification standards.
(3) Create a user-friendly single registry of SUD counselors that verifies certification status.
(4) Provide a single, consistent, standardized system of certification that recognizes levels of higher education.
(5) Introduce a tiered system that protects the workforce, recognizes multiple levels of SUD counselor education and experience, and provides recommended scopes of practice and supervision appropriate for each level.
SEC. 2. Section 11833 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:11833. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to determine the qualifications, including the appropriate skills, education, training, and experience of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs licensed, certified, or funded under this part. part, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(b) (1) Except for licensed professionals, as defined by the department, the department shall require that an individual providing counseling services working within a program described in subdivision (a) be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors. counselors, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(2) The department shall not approve a certifying organization that does not, prior to registering or certifying an individual, contact other department-approved certifying organizations to determine whether the individual has ever had his or her registration or certification revoked.(c) If a counselors registration or certification has been previously revoked, the certifying organization shall deny the request for registration and shall send the counselor a written notice of denial. The notice shall specify the counselors right to appeal the denial in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.(d) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (c), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(e) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time that regulations are adopted.(2) The department shall adopt regulations by December 31, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 2. Section 11833 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 2.
11833. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to determine the qualifications, including the appropriate skills, education, training, and experience of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs licensed, certified, or funded under this part. part, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(b) (1) Except for licensed professionals, as defined by the department, the department shall require that an individual providing counseling services working within a program described in subdivision (a) be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors. counselors, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(2) The department shall not approve a certifying organization that does not, prior to registering or certifying an individual, contact other department-approved certifying organizations to determine whether the individual has ever had his or her registration or certification revoked.(c) If a counselors registration or certification has been previously revoked, the certifying organization shall deny the request for registration and shall send the counselor a written notice of denial. The notice shall specify the counselors right to appeal the denial in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.(d) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (c), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(e) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time that regulations are adopted.(2) The department shall adopt regulations by December 31, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
11833. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to determine the qualifications, including the appropriate skills, education, training, and experience of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs licensed, certified, or funded under this part. part, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(b) (1) Except for licensed professionals, as defined by the department, the department shall require that an individual providing counseling services working within a program described in subdivision (a) be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors. counselors, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(2) The department shall not approve a certifying organization that does not, prior to registering or certifying an individual, contact other department-approved certifying organizations to determine whether the individual has ever had his or her registration or certification revoked.(c) If a counselors registration or certification has been previously revoked, the certifying organization shall deny the request for registration and shall send the counselor a written notice of denial. The notice shall specify the counselors right to appeal the denial in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.(d) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (c), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(e) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time that regulations are adopted.(2) The department shall adopt regulations by December 31, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
11833. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to determine the qualifications, including the appropriate skills, education, training, and experience of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs licensed, certified, or funded under this part. part, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(b) (1) Except for licensed professionals, as defined by the department, the department shall require that an individual providing counseling services working within a program described in subdivision (a) be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors. counselors, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).(2) The department shall not approve a certifying organization that does not, prior to registering or certifying an individual, contact other department-approved certifying organizations to determine whether the individual has ever had his or her registration or certification revoked.(c) If a counselors registration or certification has been previously revoked, the certifying organization shall deny the request for registration and shall send the counselor a written notice of denial. The notice shall specify the counselors right to appeal the denial in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.(d) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (c), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(e) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time that regulations are adopted.(2) The department shall adopt regulations by December 31, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
11833. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to determine the qualifications, including the appropriate skills, education, training, and experience of personnel working within alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment programs licensed, certified, or funded under this part. part, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).
(b) (1) Except for licensed professionals, as defined by the department, the department shall require that an individual providing counseling services working within a program described in subdivision (a) be registered with or certified by a certifying organization approved by the department to register and certify counselors. counselors, consistent with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).
(2) The department shall not approve a certifying organization that does not, prior to registering or certifying an individual, contact other department-approved certifying organizations to determine whether the individual has ever had his or her registration or certification revoked.
(c) If a counselors registration or certification has been previously revoked, the certifying organization shall deny the request for registration and shall send the counselor a written notice of denial. The notice shall specify the counselors right to appeal the denial in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.
(d) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (c), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.
(e) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time that regulations are adopted.
(2) The department shall adopt regulations by December 31, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 3. Section 11834.27 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:11834.27. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to establish the appropriate minimum qualifications of the licensee or designated administrator, and the staff of a provider of any of the services specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11834.26. These qualifications may include, but not be limited to, education, skills, life experience, and training.(b) Nothing in this This section shall be construed to does not apply to credentialing or licensing of individuals or to certification qualifications established pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 11833). 11830) or Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).
SEC. 3. Section 11834.27 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 3.
11834.27. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to establish the appropriate minimum qualifications of the licensee or designated administrator, and the staff of a provider of any of the services specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11834.26. These qualifications may include, but not be limited to, education, skills, life experience, and training.(b) Nothing in this This section shall be construed to does not apply to credentialing or licensing of individuals or to certification qualifications established pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 11833). 11830) or Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).
11834.27. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to establish the appropriate minimum qualifications of the licensee or designated administrator, and the staff of a provider of any of the services specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11834.26. These qualifications may include, but not be limited to, education, skills, life experience, and training.(b) Nothing in this This section shall be construed to does not apply to credentialing or licensing of individuals or to certification qualifications established pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 11833). 11830) or Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).
11834.27. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to establish the appropriate minimum qualifications of the licensee or designated administrator, and the staff of a provider of any of the services specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11834.26. These qualifications may include, but not be limited to, education, skills, life experience, and training.(b) Nothing in this This section shall be construed to does not apply to credentialing or licensing of individuals or to certification qualifications established pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 11833). 11830) or Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).
11834.27. (a) The department shall have the sole authority in state government to establish the appropriate minimum qualifications of the licensee or designated administrator, and the staff of a provider of any of the services specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11834.26. These qualifications may include, but not be limited to, education, skills, life experience, and training.
(b) Nothing in this This section shall be construed to does not apply to credentialing or licensing of individuals or to certification qualifications established pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 11833). 11830) or Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75).
SEC. 4. Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75) is added to Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code, to read: CHAPTER 7.7. Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling11834.75. For purposes of this chapter:(a) Certifying organization means an organization approved to register or certify individuals as SUD counselors, as listed in Section 13035 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.(b) Department means the State Department of Health Care Services.(c) Substance use disorder counseling means and includes any or all of the following:(1) Evaluating a persons alcohol or other drug treatment or recovery needs, including screening prior to admission, intake, and assessment of need for services.(2) Developing and updating a treatment or recovery plan.(3) Implementing a treatment or recovery plan.(4) Continuing assessment or treatment planning.(5) Conducting individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions, face-to-face interviews, or counseling for families, couples, and other individuals.(6) Documenting counseling activities, assessments, treatment and recovery planning, clinical reports related to treatment provided, progress notes, discharge summaries, and all other client-related data.(d) Substance use disorder counselor or SUD counselor means a person who is registered or certified as an alcohol or other drug counselor by an approved certifying organization and who provides services or treatment at an adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.11834.76. (a) There is hereby established a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as set forth in this section. The career ladder shall be created, maintained, and updated by the department, as necessary, in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.(b) The following classifications shall be established for SUD counselor certification in this state:(1) Certified Addiction Counselor 5 (CAC 5).(2) Certified Addiction Counselor 4 (CAC 4).(3) Certified Addiction Counselor 3 (CAC 3).(4) Certified Addiction Counselor 2 (CAC 2).(5) Certified Addiction Counselor 1 (CAC 1).(6) Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).(c) (1) The CAC 5 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a doctorate degree in addiction studies or related discipline or have a medical degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 5 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 5 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(d) (1) The CAC 4 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a masters degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 4 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 4 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(e) (1) The CAC 3 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a bachelors degree in SUD counseling or a related degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 2 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment planning, education, documentation, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 3 may not engage in private practice.(f) (1) The CAC 2 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have an associates degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 3 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment plan monitoring, education, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 2 may not engage in private practice.(g) (1) The CAC 1 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED.(B) Have a 39-unit community college certificate in addiction studies from a chancellor approved program in a regionally accredited college or university, which includes the minimum education requirements for a CAC.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 1 may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC 1 may not engage in private practice.(h) (1) The CAC shall meet both of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED or 315 hours (21 units) of addiction studies education.(B) Have 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC may not engage in private practice.11834.77. (a) Any person who engages in the practice of substance use disorder counseling shall be certified by a certifying organization pursuant to the categories established pursuant to Section 11834.76.(b) Each certifying organization shall establish an application process to implement the certification requirements established under this chapter. Each certifying organization may establish a reasonable application fee for certification at an amount that is sufficient to cover, but shall not exceed, the reasonable costs of implementing this chapter.(c) (1) This section shall apply to individuals who first apply for certification on and after January 1, 2018.(2) This section shall only apply to a person who is currently registered or certified by a certifying organization as of January 1, 2018, at the time of renewal of his or her registration or certification. At that time, the certifying organization shall determine which category of substance use disorder counseling the person is qualified to practice pursuant to Section 11834.76.11834.78. (a) The department shall also establish a centralized registry for access by potential employers or employers for purposes of determining whether an applicant for employment or employee has the proper certification, experience, background, or education for the employment in which he or she is applying or is employed.(b) Consistent with Section 13075 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, each certifying organization shall provide the department with the information required under subdivision (a) for purposes of implementation of the registry.11834.79. The department has the authority to discipline a person who is certified under this chapter consistent with the requirements and procedures set forth in Sections 13060 to 13070, inclusive, of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.11834.795. The department may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.
SEC. 4. Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 11834.75) is added to Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code, to read:
### SEC. 4.
CHAPTER 7.7. Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling11834.75. For purposes of this chapter:(a) Certifying organization means an organization approved to register or certify individuals as SUD counselors, as listed in Section 13035 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.(b) Department means the State Department of Health Care Services.(c) Substance use disorder counseling means and includes any or all of the following:(1) Evaluating a persons alcohol or other drug treatment or recovery needs, including screening prior to admission, intake, and assessment of need for services.(2) Developing and updating a treatment or recovery plan.(3) Implementing a treatment or recovery plan.(4) Continuing assessment or treatment planning.(5) Conducting individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions, face-to-face interviews, or counseling for families, couples, and other individuals.(6) Documenting counseling activities, assessments, treatment and recovery planning, clinical reports related to treatment provided, progress notes, discharge summaries, and all other client-related data.(d) Substance use disorder counselor or SUD counselor means a person who is registered or certified as an alcohol or other drug counselor by an approved certifying organization and who provides services or treatment at an adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.11834.76. (a) There is hereby established a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as set forth in this section. The career ladder shall be created, maintained, and updated by the department, as necessary, in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.(b) The following classifications shall be established for SUD counselor certification in this state:(1) Certified Addiction Counselor 5 (CAC 5).(2) Certified Addiction Counselor 4 (CAC 4).(3) Certified Addiction Counselor 3 (CAC 3).(4) Certified Addiction Counselor 2 (CAC 2).(5) Certified Addiction Counselor 1 (CAC 1).(6) Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).(c) (1) The CAC 5 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a doctorate degree in addiction studies or related discipline or have a medical degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 5 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 5 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(d) (1) The CAC 4 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a masters degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 4 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 4 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(e) (1) The CAC 3 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a bachelors degree in SUD counseling or a related degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 2 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment planning, education, documentation, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 3 may not engage in private practice.(f) (1) The CAC 2 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have an associates degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 3 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment plan monitoring, education, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 2 may not engage in private practice.(g) (1) The CAC 1 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED.(B) Have a 39-unit community college certificate in addiction studies from a chancellor approved program in a regionally accredited college or university, which includes the minimum education requirements for a CAC.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 1 may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC 1 may not engage in private practice.(h) (1) The CAC shall meet both of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED or 315 hours (21 units) of addiction studies education.(B) Have 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC may not engage in private practice.11834.77. (a) Any person who engages in the practice of substance use disorder counseling shall be certified by a certifying organization pursuant to the categories established pursuant to Section 11834.76.(b) Each certifying organization shall establish an application process to implement the certification requirements established under this chapter. Each certifying organization may establish a reasonable application fee for certification at an amount that is sufficient to cover, but shall not exceed, the reasonable costs of implementing this chapter.(c) (1) This section shall apply to individuals who first apply for certification on and after January 1, 2018.(2) This section shall only apply to a person who is currently registered or certified by a certifying organization as of January 1, 2018, at the time of renewal of his or her registration or certification. At that time, the certifying organization shall determine which category of substance use disorder counseling the person is qualified to practice pursuant to Section 11834.76.11834.78. (a) The department shall also establish a centralized registry for access by potential employers or employers for purposes of determining whether an applicant for employment or employee has the proper certification, experience, background, or education for the employment in which he or she is applying or is employed.(b) Consistent with Section 13075 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, each certifying organization shall provide the department with the information required under subdivision (a) for purposes of implementation of the registry.11834.79. The department has the authority to discipline a person who is certified under this chapter consistent with the requirements and procedures set forth in Sections 13060 to 13070, inclusive, of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.11834.795. The department may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.
CHAPTER 7.7. Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling11834.75. For purposes of this chapter:(a) Certifying organization means an organization approved to register or certify individuals as SUD counselors, as listed in Section 13035 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.(b) Department means the State Department of Health Care Services.(c) Substance use disorder counseling means and includes any or all of the following:(1) Evaluating a persons alcohol or other drug treatment or recovery needs, including screening prior to admission, intake, and assessment of need for services.(2) Developing and updating a treatment or recovery plan.(3) Implementing a treatment or recovery plan.(4) Continuing assessment or treatment planning.(5) Conducting individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions, face-to-face interviews, or counseling for families, couples, and other individuals.(6) Documenting counseling activities, assessments, treatment and recovery planning, clinical reports related to treatment provided, progress notes, discharge summaries, and all other client-related data.(d) Substance use disorder counselor or SUD counselor means a person who is registered or certified as an alcohol or other drug counselor by an approved certifying organization and who provides services or treatment at an adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.11834.76. (a) There is hereby established a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as set forth in this section. The career ladder shall be created, maintained, and updated by the department, as necessary, in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.(b) The following classifications shall be established for SUD counselor certification in this state:(1) Certified Addiction Counselor 5 (CAC 5).(2) Certified Addiction Counselor 4 (CAC 4).(3) Certified Addiction Counselor 3 (CAC 3).(4) Certified Addiction Counselor 2 (CAC 2).(5) Certified Addiction Counselor 1 (CAC 1).(6) Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).(c) (1) The CAC 5 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a doctorate degree in addiction studies or related discipline or have a medical degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 5 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 5 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(d) (1) The CAC 4 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a masters degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 4 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 4 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(e) (1) The CAC 3 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a bachelors degree in SUD counseling or a related degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 2 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment planning, education, documentation, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 3 may not engage in private practice.(f) (1) The CAC 2 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have an associates degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 3 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment plan monitoring, education, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 2 may not engage in private practice.(g) (1) The CAC 1 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED.(B) Have a 39-unit community college certificate in addiction studies from a chancellor approved program in a regionally accredited college or university, which includes the minimum education requirements for a CAC.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 1 may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC 1 may not engage in private practice.(h) (1) The CAC shall meet both of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED or 315 hours (21 units) of addiction studies education.(B) Have 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC may not engage in private practice.11834.77. (a) Any person who engages in the practice of substance use disorder counseling shall be certified by a certifying organization pursuant to the categories established pursuant to Section 11834.76.(b) Each certifying organization shall establish an application process to implement the certification requirements established under this chapter. Each certifying organization may establish a reasonable application fee for certification at an amount that is sufficient to cover, but shall not exceed, the reasonable costs of implementing this chapter.(c) (1) This section shall apply to individuals who first apply for certification on and after January 1, 2018.(2) This section shall only apply to a person who is currently registered or certified by a certifying organization as of January 1, 2018, at the time of renewal of his or her registration or certification. At that time, the certifying organization shall determine which category of substance use disorder counseling the person is qualified to practice pursuant to Section 11834.76.11834.78. (a) The department shall also establish a centralized registry for access by potential employers or employers for purposes of determining whether an applicant for employment or employee has the proper certification, experience, background, or education for the employment in which he or she is applying or is employed.(b) Consistent with Section 13075 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, each certifying organization shall provide the department with the information required under subdivision (a) for purposes of implementation of the registry.11834.79. The department has the authority to discipline a person who is certified under this chapter consistent with the requirements and procedures set forth in Sections 13060 to 13070, inclusive, of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.11834.795. The department may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.
CHAPTER 7.7. Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling
CHAPTER 7.7. Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling
11834.75. For purposes of this chapter:(a) Certifying organization means an organization approved to register or certify individuals as SUD counselors, as listed in Section 13035 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.(b) Department means the State Department of Health Care Services.(c) Substance use disorder counseling means and includes any or all of the following:(1) Evaluating a persons alcohol or other drug treatment or recovery needs, including screening prior to admission, intake, and assessment of need for services.(2) Developing and updating a treatment or recovery plan.(3) Implementing a treatment or recovery plan.(4) Continuing assessment or treatment planning.(5) Conducting individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions, face-to-face interviews, or counseling for families, couples, and other individuals.(6) Documenting counseling activities, assessments, treatment and recovery planning, clinical reports related to treatment provided, progress notes, discharge summaries, and all other client-related data.(d) Substance use disorder counselor or SUD counselor means a person who is registered or certified as an alcohol or other drug counselor by an approved certifying organization and who provides services or treatment at an adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.
11834.75. For purposes of this chapter:
(a) Certifying organization means an organization approved to register or certify individuals as SUD counselors, as listed in Section 13035 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.
(b) Department means the State Department of Health Care Services.
(c) Substance use disorder counseling means and includes any or all of the following:
(1) Evaluating a persons alcohol or other drug treatment or recovery needs, including screening prior to admission, intake, and assessment of need for services.
(2) Developing and updating a treatment or recovery plan.
(3) Implementing a treatment or recovery plan.
(4) Continuing assessment or treatment planning.
(5) Conducting individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions, face-to-face interviews, or counseling for families, couples, and other individuals.
(6) Documenting counseling activities, assessments, treatment and recovery planning, clinical reports related to treatment provided, progress notes, discharge summaries, and all other client-related data.
(d) Substance use disorder counselor or SUD counselor means a person who is registered or certified as an alcohol or other drug counselor by an approved certifying organization and who provides services or treatment at an adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.
11834.76. (a) There is hereby established a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as set forth in this section. The career ladder shall be created, maintained, and updated by the department, as necessary, in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.(b) The following classifications shall be established for SUD counselor certification in this state:(1) Certified Addiction Counselor 5 (CAC 5).(2) Certified Addiction Counselor 4 (CAC 4).(3) Certified Addiction Counselor 3 (CAC 3).(4) Certified Addiction Counselor 2 (CAC 2).(5) Certified Addiction Counselor 1 (CAC 1).(6) Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).(c) (1) The CAC 5 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a doctorate degree in addiction studies or related discipline or have a medical degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 5 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 5 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(d) (1) The CAC 4 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a masters degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 4 may include any or all of the following:(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 4 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.(e) (1) The CAC 3 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a bachelors degree in SUD counseling or a related degree.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 2 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment planning, education, documentation, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 3 may not engage in private practice.(f) (1) The CAC 2 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have an associates degree in addiction studies or related discipline.(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 3 may include any or all of the following:(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment plan monitoring, education, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.(B) Individual or group counseling.(3) The CAC 2 may not engage in private practice.(g) (1) The CAC 1 shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED.(B) Have a 39-unit community college certificate in addiction studies from a chancellor approved program in a regionally accredited college or university, which includes the minimum education requirements for a CAC.(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 1 may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC 1 may not engage in private practice.(h) (1) The CAC shall meet both of the following requirements:(A) Have a high school degree or GED or 315 hours (21 units) of addiction studies education.(B) Have 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.(2) The scope of practice of a CAC may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.(3) The CAC may not engage in private practice.
11834.76. (a) There is hereby established a scope of practice and career ladder for substance use disorder counseling, as set forth in this section. The career ladder shall be created, maintained, and updated by the department, as necessary, in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.
(b) The following classifications shall be established for SUD counselor certification in this state:
(1) Certified Addiction Counselor 5 (CAC 5).
(2) Certified Addiction Counselor 4 (CAC 4).
(3) Certified Addiction Counselor 3 (CAC 3).
(4) Certified Addiction Counselor 2 (CAC 2).
(5) Certified Addiction Counselor 1 (CAC 1).
(6) Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).
(c) (1) The CAC 5 shall meet all of the following requirements:
(A) Have a doctorate degree in addiction studies or related discipline or have a medical degree.
(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.
(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.
(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 5 may include any or all of the following:
(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.
(B) Individual or group counseling.
(3) The CAC 5 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.
(d) (1) The CAC 4 shall meet all of the following requirements:
(A) Have a masters degree in addiction studies or related discipline.
(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.
(C) Have 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised work experience.
(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 4 may include any or all of the following:
(A) Clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referrals, education, documentation, service coordination and case management, counseling, psychoeducation, and services for cooccurring mental health disorders.
(B) Individual or group counseling.
(3) The CAC 4 may engage in private practice if he or she also holds a license under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code.
(e) (1) The CAC 3 shall meet all of the following requirements:
(A) Have a bachelors degree in SUD counseling or a related degree.
(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.
(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.
(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 2 may include any or all of the following:
(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment planning, education, documentation, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.
(B) Individual or group counseling.
(3) The CAC 3 may not engage in private practice.
(f) (1) The CAC 2 shall meet all of the following requirements:
(A) Have an associates degree in addiction studies or related discipline.
(B) Meet the minimum education requirements for the CAC 1.
(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.
(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 3 may include any or all of the following:
(A) Screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment plan monitoring, education, service coordination, case management, and psychoeducation.
(B) Individual or group counseling.
(3) The CAC 2 may not engage in private practice.
(g) (1) The CAC 1 shall meet all of the following requirements:
(A) Have a high school degree or GED.
(B) Have a 39-unit community college certificate in addiction studies from a chancellor approved program in a regionally accredited college or university, which includes the minimum education requirements for a CAC.
(C) Have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience.
(2) The scope of practice of a CAC 1 may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.
(3) The CAC 1 may not engage in private practice.
(h) (1) The CAC shall meet both of the following requirements:
(A) Have a high school degree or GED or 315 hours (21 units) of addiction studies education.
(B) Have 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.
(2) The scope of practice of a CAC may include screening, pyschoeducation, participation in treatment planning and documentation, and case management.
(3) The CAC may not engage in private practice.
11834.77. (a) Any person who engages in the practice of substance use disorder counseling shall be certified by a certifying organization pursuant to the categories established pursuant to Section 11834.76.(b) Each certifying organization shall establish an application process to implement the certification requirements established under this chapter. Each certifying organization may establish a reasonable application fee for certification at an amount that is sufficient to cover, but shall not exceed, the reasonable costs of implementing this chapter.(c) (1) This section shall apply to individuals who first apply for certification on and after January 1, 2018.(2) This section shall only apply to a person who is currently registered or certified by a certifying organization as of January 1, 2018, at the time of renewal of his or her registration or certification. At that time, the certifying organization shall determine which category of substance use disorder counseling the person is qualified to practice pursuant to Section 11834.76.
11834.77. (a) Any person who engages in the practice of substance use disorder counseling shall be certified by a certifying organization pursuant to the categories established pursuant to Section 11834.76.
(b) Each certifying organization shall establish an application process to implement the certification requirements established under this chapter. Each certifying organization may establish a reasonable application fee for certification at an amount that is sufficient to cover, but shall not exceed, the reasonable costs of implementing this chapter.
(c) (1) This section shall apply to individuals who first apply for certification on and after January 1, 2018.
(2) This section shall only apply to a person who is currently registered or certified by a certifying organization as of January 1, 2018, at the time of renewal of his or her registration or certification. At that time, the certifying organization shall determine which category of substance use disorder counseling the person is qualified to practice pursuant to Section 11834.76.
11834.78. (a) The department shall also establish a centralized registry for access by potential employers or employers for purposes of determining whether an applicant for employment or employee has the proper certification, experience, background, or education for the employment in which he or she is applying or is employed.(b) Consistent with Section 13075 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, each certifying organization shall provide the department with the information required under subdivision (a) for purposes of implementation of the registry.
11834.78. (a) The department shall also establish a centralized registry for access by potential employers or employers for purposes of determining whether an applicant for employment or employee has the proper certification, experience, background, or education for the employment in which he or she is applying or is employed.
(b) Consistent with Section 13075 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, each certifying organization shall provide the department with the information required under subdivision (a) for purposes of implementation of the registry.
11834.79. The department has the authority to discipline a person who is certified under this chapter consistent with the requirements and procedures set forth in Sections 13060 to 13070, inclusive, of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.
11834.79. The department has the authority to discipline a person who is certified under this chapter consistent with the requirements and procedures set forth in Sections 13060 to 13070, inclusive, of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.
11834.795. The department may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.
11834.795. The department may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.