Section R4-6-703. Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Coun- selor Curriculum

A.      An applicant for licensure as an independent substance abuse counselor shall have a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university in one of the fol- lowing:

1.        A program accredited by NASAC that includes at least 300 hours of supervised practicum as prescribed under subsection (D);

2.        A behavioral health science program that meets the core content standards specified in R4-6-701(B) and includes at least 300 hours of supervised practicum as prescribed under subsection (D); or

3.        An educational program previously approved by the Board under A.R.S. § 32-3253(A)(14) that includes at least 300 hours of supervised practicum as prescribed under subsection (D).

B.       In addition to the degree requirement under subsection (A), an applicant for licensure as an independent substance abuse counselor shall complete the supervised work experience requirements prescribed under R4-6-705(B).

C.      In evaluating the curriculum required under subsection (A)(2), the Board shall assess whether a core content area is embedded or contained in more than one course. The applicant shall pro-

vide information the Board requires to determine whether a core content area is embedded in multiple courses. The Board shall not accept a core content area embedded in more than two courses unless the courses are succession courses. The Board shall allow subject matter in a course to qualify in only one core content area.

D.      Supervised practicum. A supervised practicum shall integrate didactic learning related to substance use disorders with face- to-face, direct counseling experience. The counseling experi- ence shall include intake and assessment, treatment planning, discharge planning, documentation, and case management activities.

E.       The Board shall deem an applicant to meet the curriculum requirements for independent substance abuse counselor licen- sure if the applicant:

1.        Holds an active and in good standing associate substance abuse counselor license issued by the Board; and

2.        Met the curriculum requirements with a master’s degree when the associate substance abuse counselor license was issued.

F.       An applicant for licensure as an independent substance abuse counselor who completed the applicant’s educational training before the effective date of this Section or no later than Octo- ber 31, 2017, may request that the Board evaluate the appli- cant’s educational training using the standards in effect before the effective date of this Section.

Historical Note

New Section made by exempt rulemaking at 10 A.A.R. 2700, effective July 1, 2004 (Supp. 04-2). Amended by

exempt rulemaking at 11 A.A.R. 2713, effective June 27, 2005 (Supp. 05-2). Amended by final exempt rulemaking pursuant to Laws 2015, Chapter 154, § 10, at 21 A.A.R.

2630, effective November 1, 2015 (Supp. 15-4).