Oklahoma Senate Bill SB738

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Alcohol and drug counseling; permitting certified alcohol and drug counselors to qualify for certain licensure. Effective date.

Impact

The bill modifies Section 1876 of the Oklahoma Statutes by outlining specific educational and experiential requirements necessary for licensure. Notably, applicants must possess a minimum of a master’s degree in relevant fields and complete extensive coursework and supervised experience in alcohol and drug counseling. This legislative update is positioned to elevate the standards within the profession, ensuring that counselors are adequately prepared to handle various substance-related issues, thus potentially improving the quality of care for patients.

Summary

Senate Bill 738, introduced by Senator Brooks, aims to amend existing regulations concerning the practice of alcohol and drug counseling in Oklahoma. The bill seeks to enable certified alcohol and drug counselors to qualify for licensure as licensed alcohol and drug counselors under certain conditions. This change is intended to streamline the process for practicing counselors and expand access to qualified professionals in the field of substance abuse treatment.

Contention

There are points of contention regarding the stringent educational requirements outlined in the bill. Critics may argue that the high standards could limit the availability of counselors in underserved areas, where the demand for such professionals is significant. Additionally, there could be concerns from current practitioners who may not meet the new educational requirements, thus facing challenges in obtaining licensure and continuing their practice. Stakeholders in behavioral health will need to consider the balance between ensuring rigorous standards and maintaining adequate access to counseling services for individuals in need.