Maryland Health Occupations Section 17-3A-02.1

      (a)      The Board may adopt regulations to allow an individual to practice under supervision as a licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed graduate professional counselor, or a licensed graduate marriage and family therapist.

      (b)      To qualify to practice as a licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed graduate professional counselor, or a licensed graduate marriage and family therapist, an individual shall be:

            (1)      Of good moral character; and

            (2)      At least 18 years old.

      (c)      An individual may practice graduate alcohol and drug counseling under supervision for a limited period of time if the individual has:

            (1)      A master's or doctoral degree in a health and human services counseling field that meets the educational requirements of § 17-3A-02 of this subtitle; and

            (2)      Passed the National Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination approved by the Board.

      (d)      An individual may practice graduate marriage and family therapy under supervision for a limited period of time if the individual has:

            (1)      A master's or doctoral degree in a marriage and family field that meets the educational requirements of § 17-3A-02 of this subtitle; and

            (2)      Passed the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination approved by the Board.

      (e)      An individual may practice graduate professional counseling under supervision for a limited period of time if the individual has:

            (1)      A master's or doctoral degree in a professional counseling field that meets the educational requirements of § 17-3A-02 of this subtitle; and

            (2)      Passed the National Professional Counselor Examination approved by the Board.

      (f)      (1)      An individual may not practice without approval by the Board.

            (2)      An individual shall be approved by the Board to practice as a licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed graduate professional counselor, or a licensed graduate marriage and family therapist before the individual may:

                  (i)      Use the title "licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor", "licensed graduate professional counselor", or "licensed graduate marriage and family therapist";

                  (ii)      Use the initials "L.G.A.D.C.", "L.G.P.C.", or "L.G.M.F.T." after the name of the individual;

                  (iii)      Represent to the public that the individual is approved by the Board to practice alcohol and drug counseling, professional counseling, or marriage and family therapy; or

                  (iv)      Use any title, abbreviation, sign, card, or other representation that the individual is a licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed graduate professional counselor, or a licensed graduate marriage and family therapist.

      (g)      Any individual who violates subsection (f) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.