2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 37:3387 — Licensed addiction counselor

§3387.  Licensed addiction counselor

A.  The practice of addiction counseling within the meaning and intent of this Chapter shall consist of the rendering of professional guidance to individuals suffering from an addictive disorder to assist them in gaining an understanding of the nature of their disorder and developing and maintaining a responsible life style.  The licensed addiction counselor may practice autonomously, independent of any other professional association or supervision.  The scope of practice, in addition to any other provision herein shall include making referrals to appropriate professionals, providing counseling to family members and, as appropriate, to others affected by the individual's addictive disorder, and the utilization of KSA and core functions.

B.  The department shall adopt and promulgate rules which govern licensed addiction counselors in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

C.  Any person seeking to be recognized by the department as a licensed addiction counselor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner as the department shall prescribe.  The initial application form shall be accompanied by an initial application fee as provided for herein.

D.  Upon investigation of the application, the department shall, not less than forty-five days prior to any examination, notify each candidate that the application is satisfactory and accepted or unsatisfactory and unaccepted.  If an application is rejected, the notice shall state the reason for such rejection.

E.  The department shall recognize as a licensed addiction counselor each candidate who:

(1)  Possesses a master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.  The degree shall be in a human services or behavioral science discipline, or such other discipline or disciplines as the department may deem appropriate.

(2)  Is a legal resident of the United States at least twenty-one years of age from¹ the date the application is received.

(3)  Is not in violation of any ethical standards subscribed to by the department.

(4)  Is not now and has not been a substance abuser or compulsive gambler during the previous two years from the date the application is received.

(5)  Has not been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere to, a felony.  However, the department may, in it discretion, waive this requirement upon review of the individual's circumstances.  Each candidate shall sign a form prescribed by the department authorizing the department to obtain a criminal history and to conduct a criminal background check.

(6)  Demonstrates professional competence by passing a written and oral examination and making a case presentation:

(a)  The department shall determine the scope and administration of the examination.

(b)  The department may provide for circumstances under which a candidate who fails either examination, but who meets all other requirements, may retake the examination.

(c)  The department shall prescribe the scope and manner of the case presentation required herein.

(7)  Documents the completion of ethics training, as prescribed by the department.

(8)  Signs a form of professional and ethical accountability and responsibility, as prescribed by the department.

(9)  Documents the completion of supervised clinical hours, under conditions as shall be determined by the department. The department may require that such supervision be conducted by a certified clinical supervisor.

(10)  Provides three letters of recommendation as prescribed by the department.

F.  The department may prescribe such other qualifications and requirements for licensed addiction counselors as may be appropriate for the protection of the public or the enhancement of professional services provided under the authority of this Chapter.

Acts 2004, No. 803, §3, eff. July 8, 2004.

¹As appears in enrolled bill.  Should be "on".