1 Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Initial License. Amend RSA 330-C:17 to read as follows:

330-C:17 Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Initial License. An applicant for initial LADC licensure shall:

I.(a) Have graduated with an associate's degree in substance use counseling, addiction studies, or equivalent program, obtained 300 hours of alcohol and drug use education within the degree-granting program or separately, completed 6,000 hours of supervised work experience, and completed 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately; or

(b) Have graduated with a bachelor's degree in a clinical mental health, social work, psychology, substance use counseling, addiction studies, human services discipline, or equivalent program from an accredited college or university, obtained 300 hours of alcohol and drug use education within the degree-granting program or separately, completed 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, and completed 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately.

II. Pass testing procedures of a nationally recognized credentialing entity specified by the board. Such procedures shall be based on the core functions and practice dimensions of addiction counseling .

III. Meet other criteria as established by the board.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

1 Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Initial License. Amend RSA 330-C:17 to read as follows:

330-C:17 Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Initial License. An applicant for initial LADC licensure shall:

I.(a) Have graduated with an associate's degree in substance use counseling, addiction studies, or equivalent program, obtained 300 hours of alcohol and drug use education within the degree-granting program or separately, completed 6,000 hours of supervised work experience, and completed 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately;

(b) Have graduated with a bachelor's degree in a clinical mental health, social work, psychology, substance use counseling, addiction studies, human services discipline, or equivalent program from an accredited college or university, obtained 300 hours of alcohol and drug use education within the degree-granting program or separately, completed 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, and completed 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately. ; or

(c) Hold a credential as an internationally certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor and demonstrate completion of 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.

II. Pass testing procedures of a nationally recognized credentialing entity specified by the board. Such procedures shall be based on the core functions and practice dimensions of addiction counseling , except that the board may not require an applicant for licensure pursuant to subparagraph I(c) to satisfy any higher education requirement .

III. Meet other criteria as established by the board.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.