Amended IN Senate August 01, 2022 Amended IN Assembly April 21, 2022 Amended IN Assembly March 30, 2022 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2473Introduced by Assembly Member Nazarian(Coauthor: Assembly Member Haney)February 17, 2022 An act to amend Section 11833 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to substance use disorder. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2473, as amended, Nazarian. Substance use disorder: counselors.Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services and authorizes the department to enforce those provisions. Existing law also requires the department to require that an individual providing counseling services within a program be certified by a certifying organization approved by the department.This bill would require the department to specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors, as specified. determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program, as specified, and to consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements. The bill would require core competency requirements for registered and certified substance use disorder counselors to include, at a minimum, specified elements, including understanding knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and clinical documentation. Disorders, clinical documentation, and delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system. The bill would prohibit hour requirements for registered counselors from being lower than the hour requirements for certified peer support specialists. The bill would prohibit the department from implementing several of these provisions the requirements, as specified, before July 1, 2025. The bill would exempt counselors in good standing from several the requirements, as specified, if certain criteria are met. The bill would require the department to implement, interpret, or make specific the changes made by the bill without regulatory action by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions, and would require the department to adopt regulations to implement those changes by December 31, 2027.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. 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.(b)(1)The department shall specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors. These requirements shall include skills and competencies needed to successfully operate within coordinated behavioral health systems, including the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS). The department shall consult with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, county DMC-ODS, Drug Medi-Cal, behavioral health systems, substance use disorder provider associations, and substance use disorder counselor certifying bodies in developing the requirements, including core competencies.(b) (1) The department shall determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program described in subdivision (a). The department shall consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements.(2) Core competency requirements for both registered and certified substance use counselors shall include all of competencies shall include all of the following elements:(A) Understanding Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.(B) Understanding Knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and continuum of ASAM levels of care, or other similar criteria and standards as approved by the department.(C) Cultural competence and humility, competence, including for people with disabilities, and its implication for treatment.(D) Case management.(E) Utilization of electronic health records systems.(F) Medications Knowledge of medications for addiction treatment.(G) Clinical documentation.(H) Cooccurring Knowledge of cooccurring substance use and mental health conditions.(I) Confidentiality.(J) Law Knowledge of relevant law and ethics.(K) Professional boundaries. Understanding and practicing professional boundaries.(L) Delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system.(3) Core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) shall align with national certification domains and competency exams. The hours completed for the core competency requirements under paragraph (2) shall count toward the education requirements for substance use disorder counselor certification.(4) Hour requirements for registered counselors shall not be lower than the hour requirements approved by the department for certified peer support specialists.(5) Counselors shall have six months from the time of registration to complete the core competency requirements under paragraph (2). A counselor shall prove provide to the certifying organization that they are registered with proof of completion of the required hours within that timeframe.(6) The department shall not implement the core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) for registered and certified counselors registering or certifying with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body, organization before July 1, 2025.(7) Counselors in good standing that registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization prior to July 1, 2025, are exempt from the requirements detailed in paragraph (4).(8) For the purposes of this subdivision, in good standing means registrants with an active registration status.(9) Counselors in good standing that are registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization and have a masters degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency requirements in paragraph (2).(10) The department shall not specify and implement the hour requirements pursuant to paragraph (4) before July 1, 2025.(c) (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.(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 their registration or certification revoked.(d) 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.(e) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (d), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(f)(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.(f) (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 the changes made by that act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions.(2) The department shall adopt regulations to implement the changes made by the act that added this subdivision by December 31, 2027, 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.
Amended IN Senate August 01, 2022 Amended IN Assembly April 21, 2022 Amended IN Assembly March 30, 2022 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2473Introduced by Assembly Member Nazarian(Coauthor: Assembly Member Haney)February 17, 2022 An act to amend Section 11833 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to substance use disorder. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2473, as amended, Nazarian. Substance use disorder: counselors.Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services and authorizes the department to enforce those provisions. Existing law also requires the department to require that an individual providing counseling services within a program be certified by a certifying organization approved by the department.This bill would require the department to specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors, as specified. determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program, as specified, and to consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements. The bill would require core competency requirements for registered and certified substance use disorder counselors to include, at a minimum, specified elements, including understanding knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and clinical documentation. Disorders, clinical documentation, and delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system. The bill would prohibit hour requirements for registered counselors from being lower than the hour requirements for certified peer support specialists. The bill would prohibit the department from implementing several of these provisions the requirements, as specified, before July 1, 2025. The bill would exempt counselors in good standing from several the requirements, as specified, if certain criteria are met. The bill would require the department to implement, interpret, or make specific the changes made by the bill without regulatory action by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions, and would require the department to adopt regulations to implement those changes by December 31, 2027.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Senate August 01, 2022 Amended IN Assembly April 21, 2022 Amended IN Assembly March 30, 2022
Amended IN Senate August 01, 2022
Amended IN Assembly April 21, 2022
Amended IN Assembly March 30, 2022
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 2473
Introduced by Assembly Member Nazarian(Coauthor: Assembly Member Haney)February 17, 2022
Introduced by Assembly Member Nazarian(Coauthor: Assembly Member Haney)
February 17, 2022
An act to amend Section 11833 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to substance use disorder.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 2473, as amended, Nazarian. Substance use disorder: counselors.
Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services and authorizes the department to enforce those provisions. Existing law also requires the department to require that an individual providing counseling services within a program be certified by a certifying organization approved by the department.This bill would require the department to specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors, as specified. determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program, as specified, and to consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements. The bill would require core competency requirements for registered and certified substance use disorder counselors to include, at a minimum, specified elements, including understanding knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and clinical documentation. Disorders, clinical documentation, and delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system. The bill would prohibit hour requirements for registered counselors from being lower than the hour requirements for certified peer support specialists. The bill would prohibit the department from implementing several of these provisions the requirements, as specified, before July 1, 2025. The bill would exempt counselors in good standing from several the requirements, as specified, if certain criteria are met. The bill would require the department to implement, interpret, or make specific the changes made by the bill without regulatory action by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions, and would require the department to adopt regulations to implement those changes by December 31, 2027.
Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services and authorizes the department to enforce those provisions. Existing law also requires the department to require that an individual providing counseling services within a program be certified by a certifying organization approved by the department.
This bill would require the department to specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors, as specified. determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program, as specified, and to consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements. The bill would require core competency requirements for registered and certified substance use disorder counselors to include, at a minimum, specified elements, including understanding knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and clinical documentation. Disorders, clinical documentation, and delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system. The bill would prohibit hour requirements for registered counselors from being lower than the hour requirements for certified peer support specialists. The bill would prohibit the department from implementing several of these provisions the requirements, as specified, before July 1, 2025. The bill would exempt counselors in good standing from several the requirements, as specified, if certain criteria are met. The bill would require the department to implement, interpret, or make specific the changes made by the bill without regulatory action by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions, and would require the department to adopt regulations to implement those changes by December 31, 2027.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. 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.(b)(1)The department shall specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors. These requirements shall include skills and competencies needed to successfully operate within coordinated behavioral health systems, including the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS). The department shall consult with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, county DMC-ODS, Drug Medi-Cal, behavioral health systems, substance use disorder provider associations, and substance use disorder counselor certifying bodies in developing the requirements, including core competencies.(b) (1) The department shall determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program described in subdivision (a). The department shall consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements.(2) Core competency requirements for both registered and certified substance use counselors shall include all of competencies shall include all of the following elements:(A) Understanding Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.(B) Understanding Knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and continuum of ASAM levels of care, or other similar criteria and standards as approved by the department.(C) Cultural competence and humility, competence, including for people with disabilities, and its implication for treatment.(D) Case management.(E) Utilization of electronic health records systems.(F) Medications Knowledge of medications for addiction treatment.(G) Clinical documentation.(H) Cooccurring Knowledge of cooccurring substance use and mental health conditions.(I) Confidentiality.(J) Law Knowledge of relevant law and ethics.(K) Professional boundaries. Understanding and practicing professional boundaries.(L) Delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system.(3) Core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) shall align with national certification domains and competency exams. The hours completed for the core competency requirements under paragraph (2) shall count toward the education requirements for substance use disorder counselor certification.(4) Hour requirements for registered counselors shall not be lower than the hour requirements approved by the department for certified peer support specialists.(5) Counselors shall have six months from the time of registration to complete the core competency requirements under paragraph (2). A counselor shall prove provide to the certifying organization that they are registered with proof of completion of the required hours within that timeframe.(6) The department shall not implement the core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) for registered and certified counselors registering or certifying with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body, organization before July 1, 2025.(7) Counselors in good standing that registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization prior to July 1, 2025, are exempt from the requirements detailed in paragraph (4).(8) For the purposes of this subdivision, in good standing means registrants with an active registration status.(9) Counselors in good standing that are registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization and have a masters degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency requirements in paragraph (2).(10) The department shall not specify and implement the hour requirements pursuant to paragraph (4) before July 1, 2025.(c) (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.(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 their registration or certification revoked.(d) 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.(e) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (d), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(f)(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.(f) (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 the changes made by that act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions.(2) The department shall adopt regulations to implement the changes made by the act that added this subdivision by December 31, 2027, 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.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. 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.(b)(1)The department shall specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors. These requirements shall include skills and competencies needed to successfully operate within coordinated behavioral health systems, including the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS). The department shall consult with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, county DMC-ODS, Drug Medi-Cal, behavioral health systems, substance use disorder provider associations, and substance use disorder counselor certifying bodies in developing the requirements, including core competencies.(b) (1) The department shall determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program described in subdivision (a). The department shall consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements.(2) Core competency requirements for both registered and certified substance use counselors shall include all of competencies shall include all of the following elements:(A) Understanding Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.(B) Understanding Knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and continuum of ASAM levels of care, or other similar criteria and standards as approved by the department.(C) Cultural competence and humility, competence, including for people with disabilities, and its implication for treatment.(D) Case management.(E) Utilization of electronic health records systems.(F) Medications Knowledge of medications for addiction treatment.(G) Clinical documentation.(H) Cooccurring Knowledge of cooccurring substance use and mental health conditions.(I) Confidentiality.(J) Law Knowledge of relevant law and ethics.(K) Professional boundaries. Understanding and practicing professional boundaries.(L) Delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system.(3) Core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) shall align with national certification domains and competency exams. The hours completed for the core competency requirements under paragraph (2) shall count toward the education requirements for substance use disorder counselor certification.(4) Hour requirements for registered counselors shall not be lower than the hour requirements approved by the department for certified peer support specialists.(5) Counselors shall have six months from the time of registration to complete the core competency requirements under paragraph (2). A counselor shall prove provide to the certifying organization that they are registered with proof of completion of the required hours within that timeframe.(6) The department shall not implement the core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) for registered and certified counselors registering or certifying with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body, organization before July 1, 2025.(7) Counselors in good standing that registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization prior to July 1, 2025, are exempt from the requirements detailed in paragraph (4).(8) For the purposes of this subdivision, in good standing means registrants with an active registration status.(9) Counselors in good standing that are registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization and have a masters degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency requirements in paragraph (2).(10) The department shall not specify and implement the hour requirements pursuant to paragraph (4) before July 1, 2025.(c) (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.(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 their registration or certification revoked.(d) 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.(e) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (d), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(f)(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.(f) (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 the changes made by that act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions.(2) The department shall adopt regulations to implement the changes made by the act that added this subdivision by December 31, 2027, 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.
SECTION 1. Section 11833 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
### SECTION 1.
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.(b)(1)The department shall specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors. These requirements shall include skills and competencies needed to successfully operate within coordinated behavioral health systems, including the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS). The department shall consult with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, county DMC-ODS, Drug Medi-Cal, behavioral health systems, substance use disorder provider associations, and substance use disorder counselor certifying bodies in developing the requirements, including core competencies.(b) (1) The department shall determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program described in subdivision (a). The department shall consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements.(2) Core competency requirements for both registered and certified substance use counselors shall include all of competencies shall include all of the following elements:(A) Understanding Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.(B) Understanding Knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and continuum of ASAM levels of care, or other similar criteria and standards as approved by the department.(C) Cultural competence and humility, competence, including for people with disabilities, and its implication for treatment.(D) Case management.(E) Utilization of electronic health records systems.(F) Medications Knowledge of medications for addiction treatment.(G) Clinical documentation.(H) Cooccurring Knowledge of cooccurring substance use and mental health conditions.(I) Confidentiality.(J) Law Knowledge of relevant law and ethics.(K) Professional boundaries. Understanding and practicing professional boundaries.(L) Delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system.(3) Core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) shall align with national certification domains and competency exams. The hours completed for the core competency requirements under paragraph (2) shall count toward the education requirements for substance use disorder counselor certification.(4) Hour requirements for registered counselors shall not be lower than the hour requirements approved by the department for certified peer support specialists.(5) Counselors shall have six months from the time of registration to complete the core competency requirements under paragraph (2). A counselor shall prove provide to the certifying organization that they are registered with proof of completion of the required hours within that timeframe.(6) The department shall not implement the core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) for registered and certified counselors registering or certifying with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body, organization before July 1, 2025.(7) Counselors in good standing that registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization prior to July 1, 2025, are exempt from the requirements detailed in paragraph (4).(8) For the purposes of this subdivision, in good standing means registrants with an active registration status.(9) Counselors in good standing that are registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization and have a masters degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency requirements in paragraph (2).(10) The department shall not specify and implement the hour requirements pursuant to paragraph (4) before July 1, 2025.(c) (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.(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 their registration or certification revoked.(d) 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.(e) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (d), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(f)(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.(f) (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 the changes made by that act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions.(2) The department shall adopt regulations to implement the changes made by the act that added this subdivision by December 31, 2027, 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.(b)(1)The department shall specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors. These requirements shall include skills and competencies needed to successfully operate within coordinated behavioral health systems, including the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS). The department shall consult with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, county DMC-ODS, Drug Medi-Cal, behavioral health systems, substance use disorder provider associations, and substance use disorder counselor certifying bodies in developing the requirements, including core competencies.(b) (1) The department shall determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program described in subdivision (a). The department shall consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements.(2) Core competency requirements for both registered and certified substance use counselors shall include all of competencies shall include all of the following elements:(A) Understanding Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.(B) Understanding Knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and continuum of ASAM levels of care, or other similar criteria and standards as approved by the department.(C) Cultural competence and humility, competence, including for people with disabilities, and its implication for treatment.(D) Case management.(E) Utilization of electronic health records systems.(F) Medications Knowledge of medications for addiction treatment.(G) Clinical documentation.(H) Cooccurring Knowledge of cooccurring substance use and mental health conditions.(I) Confidentiality.(J) Law Knowledge of relevant law and ethics.(K) Professional boundaries. Understanding and practicing professional boundaries.(L) Delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system.(3) Core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) shall align with national certification domains and competency exams. The hours completed for the core competency requirements under paragraph (2) shall count toward the education requirements for substance use disorder counselor certification.(4) Hour requirements for registered counselors shall not be lower than the hour requirements approved by the department for certified peer support specialists.(5) Counselors shall have six months from the time of registration to complete the core competency requirements under paragraph (2). A counselor shall prove provide to the certifying organization that they are registered with proof of completion of the required hours within that timeframe.(6) The department shall not implement the core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) for registered and certified counselors registering or certifying with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body, organization before July 1, 2025.(7) Counselors in good standing that registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization prior to July 1, 2025, are exempt from the requirements detailed in paragraph (4).(8) For the purposes of this subdivision, in good standing means registrants with an active registration status.(9) Counselors in good standing that are registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization and have a masters degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency requirements in paragraph (2).(10) The department shall not specify and implement the hour requirements pursuant to paragraph (4) before July 1, 2025.(c) (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.(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 their registration or certification revoked.(d) 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.(e) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (d), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(f)(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.(f) (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 the changes made by that act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions.(2) The department shall adopt regulations to implement the changes made by the act that added this subdivision by December 31, 2027, 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.(b)(1)The department shall specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors. These requirements shall include skills and competencies needed to successfully operate within coordinated behavioral health systems, including the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS). The department shall consult with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, county DMC-ODS, Drug Medi-Cal, behavioral health systems, substance use disorder provider associations, and substance use disorder counselor certifying bodies in developing the requirements, including core competencies.(b) (1) The department shall determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program described in subdivision (a). The department shall consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements.(2) Core competency requirements for both registered and certified substance use counselors shall include all of competencies shall include all of the following elements:(A) Understanding Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.(B) Understanding Knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and continuum of ASAM levels of care, or other similar criteria and standards as approved by the department.(C) Cultural competence and humility, competence, including for people with disabilities, and its implication for treatment.(D) Case management.(E) Utilization of electronic health records systems.(F) Medications Knowledge of medications for addiction treatment.(G) Clinical documentation.(H) Cooccurring Knowledge of cooccurring substance use and mental health conditions.(I) Confidentiality.(J) Law Knowledge of relevant law and ethics.(K) Professional boundaries. Understanding and practicing professional boundaries.(L) Delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system.(3) Core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) shall align with national certification domains and competency exams. The hours completed for the core competency requirements under paragraph (2) shall count toward the education requirements for substance use disorder counselor certification.(4) Hour requirements for registered counselors shall not be lower than the hour requirements approved by the department for certified peer support specialists.(5) Counselors shall have six months from the time of registration to complete the core competency requirements under paragraph (2). A counselor shall prove provide to the certifying organization that they are registered with proof of completion of the required hours within that timeframe.(6) The department shall not implement the core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) for registered and certified counselors registering or certifying with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body, organization before July 1, 2025.(7) Counselors in good standing that registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization prior to July 1, 2025, are exempt from the requirements detailed in paragraph (4).(8) For the purposes of this subdivision, in good standing means registrants with an active registration status.(9) Counselors in good standing that are registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization and have a masters degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency requirements in paragraph (2).(10) The department shall not specify and implement the hour requirements pursuant to paragraph (4) before July 1, 2025.(c) (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.(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 their registration or certification revoked.(d) 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.(e) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (d), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.(f)(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.(f) (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 the changes made by that act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions.(2) The department shall adopt regulations to implement the changes made by the act that added this subdivision by December 31, 2027, 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.
(b)(1)The department shall specify requirements, including core competencies, for registered and certified substance use counselors. These requirements shall include skills and competencies needed to successfully operate within coordinated behavioral health systems, including the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS). The department shall consult with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, county DMC-ODS, Drug Medi-Cal, behavioral health systems, substance use disorder provider associations, and substance use disorder counselor certifying bodies in developing the requirements, including core competencies.
(b) (1) The department shall determine the required core competencies for registered and certified counselors working within an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery and treatment program described in subdivision (a). The department shall consult with affected stakeholders in developing these requirements.
(2) Core competency requirements for both registered and certified substance use counselors shall include all of competencies shall include all of the following elements:
(A) Understanding Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
(B) Understanding Knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and continuum of ASAM levels of care, or other similar criteria and standards as approved by the department.
(C) Cultural competence and humility, competence, including for people with disabilities, and its implication for treatment.
(D) Case management.
(E) Utilization of electronic health records systems.
(F) Medications Knowledge of medications for addiction treatment.
(G) Clinical documentation.
(H) Cooccurring Knowledge of cooccurring substance use and mental health conditions.
(I) Confidentiality.
(J) Law Knowledge of relevant law and ethics.
(K) Professional boundaries. Understanding and practicing professional boundaries.
(L) Delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system.
(3) Core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) shall align with national certification domains and competency exams. The hours completed for the core competency requirements under paragraph (2) shall count toward the education requirements for substance use disorder counselor certification.
(4) Hour requirements for registered counselors shall not be lower than the hour requirements approved by the department for certified peer support specialists.
(5) Counselors shall have six months from the time of registration to complete the core competency requirements under paragraph (2). A counselor shall prove provide to the certifying organization that they are registered with proof of completion of the required hours within that timeframe.
(6) The department shall not implement the core competency requirements described in paragraph (2) for registered and certified counselors registering or certifying with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body, organization before July 1, 2025.
(7) Counselors in good standing that registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization prior to July 1, 2025, are exempt from the requirements detailed in paragraph (4).
(8) For the purposes of this subdivision, in good standing means registrants with an active registration status.
(9) Counselors in good standing that are registered with a state-approved substance use disorder counselor certifying body organization and have a masters degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency requirements in paragraph (2).
(10) The department shall not specify and implement the hour requirements pursuant to paragraph (4) before July 1, 2025.
(c) (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.
(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 their registration or certification revoked.
(d) 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.
(e) The department shall have the authority to conduct periodic reviews of certifying organizations to determine compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including subdivision (d), and to take actions for noncompliance, including revocation of the departments approval.
(f)(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.
(f) (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 the changes made by that act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions.
(2) The department shall adopt regulations to implement the changes made by the act that added this subdivision by December 31, 2027, 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.