GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2005
SESSION LAW 2005-431
SENATE BILL 705
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONALS, TO ESTABLISH THE CREDENTIAL OF CERTIFIED CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADDICTIONS PROFESSIONAL, AND TO Allow the department of justice to conduct CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS FROM STATE AND NATIONAL REPOSITORIES OF CRIMINAL HISTORY of APPLICANTS FOR CREDENTIALS upon the request of THE NORTH CAROLINA SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE BOARD.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. Article 5C of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes reads as rewritten:
"North Carolina Substance Abuse Professionals
CertificationProfessional Practice Act.
"§ 90-113.30. Declaration of purpose.
The North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification
Practice Board, established by G.S. 90-113.32, is recognized as
the certifying registering, certifying, and licensing authority
for substance abuse professionals described in this Article in order to
safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare, to protect the public from
being harmed by unqualified persons, to assure the highest degree of
professional care and conduct on the part of certified credentialed
substance abuse professionals, to provide for the establishment of standards
for the education of certified credentialed substance abuse
professionals, and to ensure the availability of certified credentialed
substance abuse professional services of high quality to persons in need of
these services. It is the purpose of this Article to provide for the regulation
of Board-certifiedBoard-credentialed persons offering substance
abuse counseling services, substance abuse prevention services, or any other
substance abuse services for which the Board may grant certification.registration,
certification, or licensure.
"§90-113.31.
Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply in this Article:
(1) Approved
supervisor. - A person who provides supervision as required by the Board to
persons applying for registration or certification as a substance abuse
professional pursuant to this Article.
(1a) Board. - The North
Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Board.
(1b) Certified clinical
addictions specialist. - A person certified by the Board to practice as a
clinical addictions specialist in accordance with the provisions of this
Article.
(1c) Certified clinical
supervisor. - A person certified by the Board to practice as a clinical
supervisor in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(1d) Certified residential
facility director. - A person certified by the Board to practice as a
residential facility director in accordance with the provisions of this
Article.
(2) Certified
substance abuse counselor. - A person certified by the Board to practice as a
substance abuse counselor in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(3) Repealed by
S.L. 1997-492, s. 2.
(3a) Certified substance
abuse prevention consultant. - A person certified by the Board to practice
substance abuse prevention in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(4) Clinical
supervisor intern. - A person designated by the Board to practice as a clinical
supervisor intern for a period not to exceed three years without a showing of
good cause in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(4a) Credentialing body. - A
board that licenses, certifies, or regulates a profession or practice.
(4b) Deemed status. -
Recognition by the Board of the credentials offered by a professional
discipline whereby the individuals certified, licensed, or otherwise recognized
by the discipline as having met the standards of a substance abuse specialist
may apply individually for certification as a certified clinical addictions
specialist.
(4c) Human services field. -
An area of study that focuses on the biological, psychological, and social
aspects of human beings.
(4d) Repealed by Session
Laws 1999-164, s. 1.
(5) Prevention. -
The reduction, delay, or avoidance of alcohol and of other drug use behavior.
"Prevention" includes the promotion of positive environments and
individual strengths that contribute to personal health and well-being over an
entire life and the development of strategies that encourage individuals,
families, and communities to take part in assessing and changing their
lifestyle and environments.
(6) Professional
discipline. - A field of study characterized by the technical, educational, and
ethical standards of a profession.
(6a) Registrant. - A person
who has initiated a certification process to become a certified substance abuse
counselor or a certified clinical addictions specialist pursuant to this
Article and is authorized to provide DWI assessments pursuant to G.S. 122C-142.1.
(7) Substance
abuse counseling. - The assessment, evaluation, and provision of counseling to
persons suffering from substance, drug, or alcohol abuse or dependency.
(7a) Substance abuse
counselor intern. - A person who successfully completes 300 hours of Board
approved supervised practical training and a written examination in pursuit of
certification as a substance abuse counselor.
(8) Substance
abuse professional. - A certified substance abuse counselor, certified
substance abuse prevention consultant, certified clinical supervisor, certified
clinical addictions specialist, or certified residential facility director.
"§ 90-113.31A. Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply in this Article:
(1) Applicant. - A person who has initiated a process to become a substance abuse professional pursuant to this Article.
(2) Applicant supervisor. - A person who provides supervision as required by the Board to persons applying for registration, certification, or licensure as a substance abuse professional pursuant to this Article.
(3) Board. - The North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board.
(4) Certified clinical supervisor. - A person certified by the Board to practice as a clinical supervisor in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(5) Certified criminal justice addictions professional. - A person certified by the Board to practice as a criminal justice addictions professional who, under supervision, provides direct services to clients or offenders exhibiting substance abuse disorders and works in a program determined by the Board to be involved in a criminal justice setting.
(6) Certified substance abuse counselor. - A person certified by the Board to practice under the supervision of a practice supervisor as a substance abuse counselor in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(7) Certified substance abuse prevention consultant. - A person certified by the Board to practice substance abuse prevention in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(8) Certified substance abuse residential facility director. - A person certified by the Board to practice as a substance abuse residential facility director in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(9) Clinical addictions specialist intern. - A person who successfully completes 300 hours of Board-approved supervised practical training and passes a written examination in pursuit of licensure as a clinical addictions specialist.
(10) Clinical supervisor intern. - A person designated by the Board to practice as a clinical supervisor under the supervision of a certified clinical supervisor for a period not to exceed three years without a showing of good cause in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(11) Counseling. - The utilization of special skills to assist individuals, families, or groups in achieving objectives, including the following:
a. Exploring a problem and its ramifications.
b. Examining attitudes and feelings.
c. Considering alternative solutions.
d. Decision making.
(12) Credential. - Any registration, certification, or license issued by the Board.
(13) Credentialing body. - A board that licenses, certifies, registers, or otherwise regulates a profession or practice.
(14) Criminal history. - A history of conviction of a State crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, that bears on an applicant's fitness for licensure to practice substance abuse professional services. The crimes include the criminal offenses set forth in any of the following Articles of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes: Article 5, Counterfeiting and Issuing Monetary Substitutes; Article 5A, Endangering Executive and Legislative Officers; Article 6, Homicide; Article 7A, Rape and Other Sex Offenses; Article 8, Assaults; Article 10, Kidnapping and Abduction; Article 13, Malicious Injury or Damage by Use of Explosive or Incendiary Device or Material; Article 14, Burglary and Other Housebreakings; Article 15, Arson and Other Burnings; Article 16, Larceny; Article 17, Robbery; Article 18, Embezzlement; Article 19, False Pretenses and Cheats; Article 19A, Obtaining Property or Services by False or Fraudulent Use of Credit Device or Other Means; Article 19B, Financial Transaction Card Crime Act; Article 20, Frauds; Article 21, Forgery; Article 26, Offenses Against Public Morality and Decency; Article 26A, Adult Establishments; Article 27, Prostitution; Article 28, Perjury; Article 29, Bribery; Article 31, Misconduct in Public Office; Article 35, Offenses Against the Public Peace; Article 36A, Riots and Civil Disorders; Article 39, Protection of Minors; Article 40, Protection of the Family; Article 59, Public Intoxication; and Article 60, Computer-Related Crime. The crimes also include possession or sale of drugs in violation of the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act in Article 5 of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes and alcohol-related offenses including sale to underage persons in violation of G.S. 18B-302 or driving while impaired in violation of G.S. 20-138.1 through G.S. 20-138.5.
(15) Deemed status. - Recognition by the Board of the credentials offered by a professional discipline whereby the individuals certified, licensed, or otherwise recognized by the discipline as having met the standards of a clinical addictions specialist may apply individually for licensure as a licensed clinical addictions specialist.
(16) Dual relationship. - A relationship in addition to the professional relationship with a person to whom the substance abuse professional delivers services in the Twelve Core Functions or the performance domains, both as defined in rules adopted by the Board, or as provided in a supervisory capacity. These relationships may result in grounds for disciplinary action.
(17) Human services field. - An area of study that focuses on the biological, psychological, behavioral, and social aspects of human welfare with focus on the direct services designed to improve it.
(18) Independent study. - Any course of study that is not traditional classroom-based that must be preapproved by the Board or any organization that has deemed status with the Board.
(19) Licensed clinical addictions specialist. - A person licensed by the Board to practice as a clinical addictions specialist in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(20) Practice supervisor. - A certified clinical supervisor, clinical supervisor intern, or licensed clinical addictions specialist who provides oversight and responsibility in a face-to-face capacity for each certified substance abuse counselor or criminal justice addictions professional.
(21) Prevention. - The reduction, delay, or avoidance of alcohol and of other drug use behavior. 'Prevention' includes the promotion of positive environments and individual strengths that contribute to personal health and well-being over an entire life and the development of strategies that encourage individuals, families, and communities to take part in assessing and changing their lifestyles and environments.
(22) Professional discipline. - A field of study characterized by the technical, educational, and ethical standards of a profession.
(23) Registrant. - A person who completes all requirements to be registered with the Board and is supervised by a certified clinical supervisor or clinical supervisor intern.
(24) Substance abuse counseling. - The assessment, evaluation, and provision of counseling and therapeutic service to persons suffering from substance abuse or dependency.
(25) Substance abuse counselor intern. - A person who successfully completes 300 hours of Board-approved supervised practical training and passes a written examination in pursuit of credentialing as a substance abuse counselor.
(26) Substance abuse professional. - A registrant, certified substance abuse counselor, substance abuse counselor intern, certified substance abuse prevention consultant, certified clinical supervisor, clinical addictions specialist intern, licensed clinical addictions specialist, certified substance abuse residential facility director, or certified criminal justice addictions professional.
"§ 90-113.31B. Scope of practice.
The scope of practice is the use by all substance abuse professionals and their ongoing supervisees of principles, methods, and procedures of the Twelve Core Functions or performance domains as prescribed by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Incorporated, and as limited by individual credential and supervisory requirements pursuant to this Article. Specifically, the scope of practice for each individual defined as a substance abuse professional under G.S. 90-113.31A is as follows:
(1) The practice of a certified substance abuse counselor consists of the Twelve Core Functions, including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, report and record keeping, consultation with other professionals in regard to client treatment and services, and referral to treat addictive disorder or disease and help prevent relapse.
(2) The practice of a certified substance abuse prevention consultant is based on knowledge in the performance domains to prevent or reduce the conditions that place individuals at increased risk of developing addictive disorder or disease and help prevent relapse.
(3) The practice of a certified clinical supervisor is based on knowledge in the performance domains to supervise substance abuse professionals who work to treat, prevent, or reduce the conditions that place individuals at risk of developing addictive disorder or disease and help prevent relapse.
(4) The practice of a licensed clinical addictions specialist may be independent and consists of the Twelve Core Functions, including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, report and record keeping, consultation with other professionals in regard to client treatment and services, referral to reduce the conditions that place individuals at risk of developing addictive disorder or disease with co-occurring disorders, and treatment for addictive disorder or disease. The licensed clinical addictions specialist may provide supervision to maintain a professional credential as defined by this Article.
(5) The practice of a certified substance abuse residential facility director is a voluntary credential and consists of the Twelve Core Functions, including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, report and record keeping, consultation with professionals in regard to client treatment and services, referral to prevent or reduce the conditions that place individuals at increased risk of developing addictive disorder or disease, treatment for addictive disorder or disease, and the prevention of relapse as well as academic management training.
(6) The practice of a certified criminal justice addictions professional is based on knowledge in the performance domains of dynamics of addiction in criminal behavior; legal, ethical, and professional responsibility; criminal justice system and processes; screening, intake, and assessment; case management; monitoring; and client supervision and counseling to prevent or reduce the conditions that place individuals at increased risk of developing addictive disorder or disease, treat addictive disorder or disease, and help prevent relapse.
"§ 90-113.32. Board; composition; voting.
(a) The Board is created
as the certifying authority for substance abuse counselors, substance
abuse prevention consultants, clinical supervisors, clinical addictions
specialists, and residential facility directorsto credential substance
abuse professionals in North Carolina.
(b) Until the full Board
is elected or appointed pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the Board
shall consist of 16 members with one member appointed by the General Assembly
upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in
accordance with G.S. 120-121, and one member appointed by the General
Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate in
accordance with G.S. 120-121. The remaining 14 shall be those members of
the current North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Practice
Board, Inc., who have terms that are unexpired as of the effective date of
this Article. The initial Board shall appoint an initial Nominating and
Elections Committee to fill immediate vacancies on the Board, using the process
established in subsection (d) of this section. The election and appointment
process of the initial Board shall result in a Board of 19 members by April 1,
1995. As these initial members' terms expire, their successors shall be
appointed as described in subsection (c) of this section, until the permanent
Board is established, as described in subsection (c) of this section. Time
spent as an initial member counts in determining the limitation on consecutive
terms prescribed in subsection (e) of this section.
(c) After the initial Board members' terms expire, the Board shall consist of the following members, all of whom shall reside in North Carolina, appointed or elected as follows:
(1) Eleven professionals certified
credentialed pursuant to this Article and elected by the certified
credentialed professionals, at least two of whom shall serve each of
the four Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance
Abuse Services regions of the State. Three members shall serve as members at
large.
(2) Three members at large chosen from laypersons or other professional disciplines who have shown a special interest in the field of substance abuse, nominated by the Nominating and Elections Committee established by subsection (d) of this section and elected by the Board.
(3) Two members from the
Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse
Services, Department of Health and Human Services, appointed by the Chief of Substance
Abuse Services Section, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities,
and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Health and Human Services,the
North Carolina Substance Abuse Single State Agency, at least one of whom is
from the Substance Abuse Services Section.administers substance abuse
services.
(4) One member of the public at large appointed by the Governor.
(5) One member of the public at large appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in accordance with G.S. 120-121 and one member of the public at large appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate in accordance with G.S. 120-121.
(6) One member shall represent each of the professional disciplines granted deemed status under G.S. 90-113.41A. The member may be appointed by the professional discipline on or before a date set by the Board. If the professional discipline has at least one association in the State, the member shall be chosen from a list of nominees submitted to the association. The members appointed or elected under this subdivision shall be certified as substance abuse specialists by the professional discipline that the members represent.
No member of the General Assembly shall serve on the Board.
(c1) Every member of the Board shall have the right to vote on all matters before the Board, except for the President who shall vote only in case of a tie or when another member of the Board abstains on the question of whether the professional discipline the member represents shall retain its deemed status.
(d) The Board shall
appoint five professionals from the field of substance abuse counseling and
substance abuse prevention consulting to serve on the Nominating and Elections
Committee. Of these five, at least three shall not be members of the Board. The
Board shall appoint a member of the Nominating and Elections Committee to serve
as chair. The Committee's purpose is to accept nominations from professionals
certified or licensed by the Board to fill vacancies on the Board in
membership categories prescribed by subdivisions (1) and (2) of subsection (c)
of this section and to conduct the election of Board members. The Committee
shall solicit nominations from all professionals it has certified or
licensed under this Article when elected members' terms are due to expire.
The certified or licensed professionals shall submit to the Committee
all nominations beginning 90 days and ending 14 28 days before
the election of new Board members. The Committee shall furnish all certified or
licensed professionals with a ballot containing all the nominees for each
elected Board member vacancy. In soliciting and making nominations for this
process, the Committee shall give consideration to factors that promote
representation on the Board by professionals certified or licensed by
the Board. The Committee shall serve for a two-year term, its successors to be
appointed for the same term by the Board.
(e) Members of the Board
shall serve for three-yearfour-year terms. No Board member shall
serve for more than two consecutive terms, but a person who has been a member
for two consecutive terms may be reappointed after being off the Board for a
period of at least one year. When a vacancy occurs in an unexpired term, the
Board shall, as soon as practicable, appoint temporary members to serve until
the end of the unexpired terms. Time spent as a temporary member does not count
in determining the limitation on consecutive terms.
(f) If a member
becomes ineligible to serve on the Board for any reason, except when the member
has committed an ethical violation that results in the suspension or revocation
of the member's professional credentials, the that member may
fulfill the remainder of the member'shis or her term on the
Board.
"§ 90-113.33. Board; powers and duties.
The Board shall:
(1) Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for certification and licensure to practice in this State.
(1a) Determine the qualifications and fitness of organizations applying for deemed status.
(2) Issue, renew, deny,
suspend, or revoke certification licensure, certification, or
registration to practice in this State or reprimand or otherwise discipline certificate
a license, certificate, or registration holders holder in
this State. Denial of an applicant's certification or registration or the
granting of certification or registration on a probationary or other
conditional status shall be subject to substantially the same rules and
procedures prescribed by the Board for review and disciplinary actions against
those persons holding certificates or registrations. Disciplinary actions
involving a clinical addictions specialist whose certification is achieved
through deemed status shall be initially heard by the specialist's
credentialing body. The specialist may appeal the body's decision to the Board.
The Board shall, however, have the authority to hear the initial disciplinary
action involving a clinical addictions specialist.
(3) Deal with issues concerning reciprocity.
(4) Conduct investigations for the purpose of determining whether violations of this Article or grounds for disciplining exists.
(5) Employ the
professional and clericaland fix the compensation of personnel and
legal counsel that the Board determines is necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Article. The Board's employment of legal counsel is
subject to the provisions of G.S. 114-2.3. The Board may purchase or
rent necessary office space, equipment, and supplies.
(6) Conduct administrative hearings in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes when a "contested case", as defined in Chapter 150B, arises.
(7) Appoint from its own membership one or more members to act as representatives of the Board at any meeting in which it considers this representation is desirable.
(8) Establish fees for
applications for examination, registration, certificates of certification certification,
licensure, and renewal, and other services provided by the Board.
(9) Adopt any rules necessary to carry out the purpose of this Article and its duties and responsibilities pursuant to this Article.
(10) Request that the Department of Justice conduct criminal history record checks of applicants for registration, certification, or licensure pursuant to G.S. 114-19.11A.
The powers and duties enumerated in this section are granted for the purposes of enabling the Board to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare against unqualified or incompetent practitioners and are to be liberally construed to accomplish this objective. When the Board exercises its authority under this Article to discipline a person, it may, as part of the decision imposing the discipline, charge the costs of investigations and the hearing to the person disciplined.
"§ 90-113.33A. Officers may administer oaths, and subpoena witnesses, records, and other materials.
The President or other presiding officer of the Board may
administer oaths to all persons appearing before it as the Board may deem
necessary to perform its duties, and may summon and issue subpoenas for the
appearance of any witnesses deemed necessary to testify concerning any matter
to be heard before or inquired into by the Board. The Board may order that any
client records, documents, or other materials concerning any matter to be heard
before or inquired into by the Board shall be produced before the Board or made
available for inspection, notwithstanding any other provisions of law providing
for the application of any counselor-client or physician-patient privilege with
respect to such records, documents, or other materials. All records, documents,
or other materials compiled by the Board are subject to the provisions of G.S. 90-113.34,
except that in any proceeding before the Board, record of any hearing before
the Board, and notice of charges against any person certified credentialed
by the Board, the Board shall withhold from public disclosure the identity
of a client, including information relating to dates and places of treatment,
or any other information that tends to identify the client unless the client or
the client's representative has expressly consented to the disclosure. Upon
written request, the Board shall revoke a subpoena if, upon a hearing, it finds
that the evidence sought does not relate to a matter in issue, the subpoena
does not describe the evidence with sufficient particularity, or the subpoena
is invalid.
"§ 90-113.34. Records to be kept; copies of records.
(a) The Board shall keep
a regular record of its proceedings, together with the names of the members of
the Board present, the names of the applicants for registration,
certification, and licensure as well as other information relevant to
its actions. The Board shall cause a record to be kept that shall show the
name, last known place of business, last known place of residence, and date and
number of the certificate of certification as a certified substance abuse
counselor, certified substance abuse prevention consultant, certified clinical
supervisor, certified clinical addictions specialist, or certified residential
facility director for every living certified person.credential assigned
to each substance abuse professional meeting the standards set forth in this
Article. Any interested person in the State is entitled to obtain a copy of
that record onBoard records upon application to the Board and upon
payment of a reasonable charge that is based on the costs involved in
providing the copy.
(b) The Board may in a
closed session receive evidence regarding the provision of substance abuse
counseling or other treatment and services provided to a client who has not
expressly or through implication consented to the public disclosure of such
treatment as may be necessary for the protection of the rights of the client or
of the accused registrant or substance abuse professional and the full
presentation of relevant evidence. All records, papers, and other documents containing
information collected and compiled by the Board, its members, or employees as a
result of investigations, inquiries, or interviews conducted in connection with
a certificationawarding a credential or a disciplinary
matter shall not be considered public records within the meaning of Chapter 132
of the General Statutes, except any notice or statement of charges, or notice
of hearing shall be a public record notwithstanding that it may contain
information collected and compiled as a result of an investigation, inquiry, or
interview. If any record, paper, or other document containing information
collected and compiled by the Board as provided in this subsection is received
and admitted in evidence in any hearing before the Board, it shall thereupon be
a public record.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the Board may, in any proceeding, record of any hearing, and notice of charges, withhold from public disclosure the identity of a client who has not expressly or through implication consented to such disclosure of treatment by the accused substance abuse professional.
"§ 90-113.35. Disposition of funds.
All fees and other moneys collected and received by the Board shall be used to implement this Article. The financial records of the Board shall be subjected to an annual audit and paid for out of the funds of the Board.
"§ 90-113.36.
Certificates of certification.Credentials.
(a) The Board shall
furnish a certificate of certification or licensure to each applicant
successfully completing the requirements for certification.his or her
credential.
(b) The Board may furnish
a certificate of certification or licensure to any person in another
state or territory if the individual's qualifications were, at the date of registration
orregistration, certification, or licensure, substantially
equal to the requirements under this Article. However, an out-of-state
applicant shall first file application and pay any required fees.
"§ 90-113.37.
Renewal of certification; lapse; revival.
(a) Every
person certified pursuant to this Article who desires to maintain certification
status shall apply to the Board for a renewal of certification every other year
and pay to the secretary-treasurer the prescribed fee. Renewal of certification
is subject to completion of no more than 60 hours of those continuing education
requirements established by the Board. A clinical supervisor shall complete 15
hours of substance abuse clinical supervision training prior to the certificate
being renewed. Certification that is not renewed automatically lapses, unless
the Board provides for the late renewal of certification upon the payment of a
late fee. No late renewal shall be granted more than five years after a
certification expires. A suspended certification is subject to this section's
renewal requirements and may be renewed as provided in this section. This
renewal does not entitle the certified person to engage in the certified
activity or in any other conduct or activity in violation of the order or
judgment by which the certification was suspended, until the certification is
reinstated. If a certification revoked on disciplinary grounds is reinstated
and requires renewal, the certified person shall pay the renewal fee and any
applicable late fee.
(b) The Board
shall establish the manner in which lapsed certification may be revived or
extended.
"§ 90-113.37A. Renewal of credential; lapse.
(a) Every person credentialed pursuant to this Article who desires to maintain his or her credentials shall apply to the Board for a renewal of certification or licensure every other year and pay to the treasurer the prescribed fee.
(b) Renewal of licensure is subject to completion of at least 40 hours of the continuing education requirements established by the Board. Renewal of substance abuse counselor or substance abuse prevention consultant certification is subject to completion of at least 60 hours of the continuing education requirements established by the Board. A certified substance abuse counselor shall submit a Board-approved supervision contract signed by the applicant and a practice supervisor documenting ongoing supervision at a ratio of one hour of supervision to every 40 hours of practice after certification is granted by the Board on a form provided by the Board. Any person certified by the Board as a certified alcoholism counselor or certified drug abuse counselor shall become a certified substance abuse counselor.
A clinical supervisor shall complete at least 15 hours of substance abuse clinical supervision training prior to the certificate being renewed. A substance abuse residential facility director shall complete at least 10 hours of substance abuse training for renewal. A certified criminal justice addictions professional shall complete at least 40 hours of continuing education that must be earned in the certified criminal justice addictions professional performance domains. A certified criminal justice addictions professional shall submit a Board-approved supervision contract signed by the criminal justice addictions professional and a practice supervisor documenting ongoing supervision at a ratio of one hour of supervision to every 40 hours of practice after certification is granted by the Board on a form provided by the Board.
(c) Independent study hours shall compose no more than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of hours required for renewal.
(d) A credential that is not renewed automatically lapses, unless the Board approves the late renewal of a credential upon the payment of a late fee.
(e) No late renewal shall be granted more than five years after a certification or licensure expires.
(f) A suspended credential may be renewed as provided in this section. This renewal does not entitle the credentialed person to engage in conduct or activity in violation of the order or judgment by which the credential was suspended, until the credential is reinstated. If a credential revoked on disciplinary grounds is reinstated and requires renewal, the credentialed person shall pay the renewal fee and any applicable late fee.
(g) The Board shall establish the manner in which lapsed certification or licensure may be revived or extended.
"§ 90-113.38. Maximums for certain fees.
(a) The fee to obtain a
certificate of certification as a substance abuse counselor, substance abuse
prevention consultant, clinical supervisor, or substance abuse residential
facility director director, or certified criminal justice addictions
professional may not exceed four hundred seventy-five dollars ($475.00).
The fee to renew a certificate may not exceed one hundred fifty dollars
($150.00).
(b) The fee to obtain a
certificate of certification licensure for a clinical addictions
specialist pursuant to deemed status may shall not exceed one
hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). The fee to renew a certificate maylicense
for a clinical addictions specialist pursuant to deemed status shall not
exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00). The fee to obtain a certificate of
certificationlicense for a clinical addictions specialist pursuant
to all other procedures authorized by this Article may shall not
exceed four hundred seventy-five dollars ($475.00). The fee to renew the certificate
maylicense shall not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
(b1) The fee to obtain a registration
as a registrant shall be not exceed one hundred fifty dollars
($150.00). The fee to renew a registration shall be not exceed
one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
(c) There shall be a reexamination
fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) which shall be paid for each
reexamination in addition to the fees required underauthorized
pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. There shall be a fee not to
exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for rescheduling any examination.
(d) There shall be a fee of
not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to obtain a written
verification of certificationor additional copy of a credential
issued by the Board.
(e) There shall be a late renewal fee not to exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00).
(f) In addition to any other prescribed fees, the Board shall charge a fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for each administration of the test an applicant must pass to be credentialed as a United States Department of Transportation substance abuse professional.
"§ 90-113.39.
Standards for certification.credentials.
The Board shall establish standards for certification ofto
credential substance abuse professionals. The certification credentialing
standards of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol
and Other Drug Abuse, Incorporated and the standards adopted by professional
disciplines granted deemed status or their successor organizations may be used
as guidelines for the Board's standards. The Board shall publish these required
standards separately from its rules so as to provide easy access to the
standards.
"§ 90-113.40.
Requirements for certification.certification and licensure.
(a) The Board shall issue a certificate certifying an applicant as a "Certified Substance Abuse Counselor" or as a "Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant" if:
(1) The applicant is of good moral character.
(2) The applicant is not and has not engaged in any practice or conduct that would be grounds for disciplinary action under G.S. 90-113.44.
(3) The applicant is qualified for certification pursuant to the requirements of this Article and any rules adopted pursuant to it.
(4) The applicant has, at a minimum, a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate.
(5) The applicant has signed a form attesting to the intention to adhere fully to the ethical standards adopted by the Board.
(5a) The applicant submits to a complete criminal history record check pursuant to G.S. 90-113.46A.
(6) The applicant has completed 270 hours of Board-approved education. The Board may prescribe that a certain number of hours be in a course of study for substance abuse counseling and that a certain number of hours be in a course of study for substance abuse prevention consulting. Independent study hours shall not compose more than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of hours required for initial credentialing.
(7) The applicant has
documented completion of a minimum of 300 hours of Supervised Practical Training
andTraining, has provided a Board-approved supervision contract
between the applicant and an approved supervisor.applicant
supervisor, and has been deemed recommended by the applicant supervisor to
advance in the credentialing process.
(8) The applicant for
substance abuse counselor has completed either a total of 6,000 hours of
supervised experience in the field, whether paid or volunteer, or, if a
graduate of a Board-approved master's degree program, a total of 3,000 hours of
supervised experience in the field, whether paid or volunteer. The
applicant for substance abuse prevention consultant has completed a total of 10,0006,000
hours supervised experience in the field, whether paid or volunteer, or 4,000
hours if the applicant has at least a bachelors degree in a human services
field from a regionally accredited college or university.
(9) The applicant has successfully
completedobtained a passing score on a written examination andexamination.
An applicant for certification as a substance abuse counselor must also obtain
a passing score on an oral examination promulgated and administered by the
Board.
(b) The Board shall issue
a certificate certifying an individual as a "Certified Clinical
Supervisor" if, in addition to meeting the requirements of subdivisions
(a)(1) through (5)(5a) of this section, the applicant:
(1) Submits proof of designation by the Board as a clinical supervisor intern.
(2) Prior to June 30, 1998, the applicant presents proof that the applicant has 12,000 hours experience in alcohol and drug abuse counseling and a bachelors degree or 8,000 hours experience in alcohol and drug abuse counseling and a minimum of a master's degree. After June 30, 1998, the applicant shall present proof that the applicant has a minimum of a master's degree in a human services field with a clinical application from a regionally accredited college or university.
(3) Has 6,000 hours experience as a substance abuse clinical supervisor if the applicant has a bachelors degree or 4,000 hours experience if the applicant has a master's degree in a human services field with a clinical application from a regionally accredited college or university.
(4) Has 30 hours of
substance abuse clinical supervision specific education or training. These
hours shall be reflective of the 12 core functionsTwelve Core
Functions in the applicant's clinical application and practice and may also
be counted toward the applicant's recertification renewal as a
substance abuse counselorcounselor or a clinical addictions
specialist.
(5) Submits a letter of reference from a professional who can attest to the applicant's supervisory competence and two letters of reference from either counselors who have been supervised by the applicant or professionals who can attest to the applicant's competence.
(6) Successfully
completesObtains a passing score on a written examination
administered by the Board.
A person who practices as a certified clinical supervisor in addition to practicing as a certified substance abuse counselor shall be exempt from the practice supervision contract requirement.
(b1) The Board shall designate an
applicant as a "Clinical Supervisor Intern" if, in addition to
meeting the requirements of subdivisions (a)(1) through (5)(5a)
of this section, the applicant meets the following qualifications:
(1) Submits an application, resume, and official transcript showing that the applicant has obtained a master's degree in a human services field with a clinical application from a regionally accredited college or university.
(2) Submits verification statements.
(3) Submits proof of certification
credentialing as a certified substance abuse counselor or a
certifiedcounselor, a licensed clinical addictions specialist.specialist,
or certification or licensure through an organization granted deemed status by
the Board.
(4) Submits documentation establishing that the applicant has completed at least fifty percent of the required clinical supervision specific training hours as defined by the Board.
(c) The Board shall issue
a certificate certifyinglicense credentialing an applicant as a
"Certified Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist" if,
in addition to meeting the requirements of subdivisions (a)(1) through (5)(5a)
of this section, the applicant meets one of the following criteria:
(1) Criteria A. - The applicant:
a. Has a minimum of a master's degree with a clinical application in a human services field from a regionally accredited college or university.
b. Has two years postgraduate supervised substance abuse counseling experience.
c. Submits
three letters of reference from certified licensed clinical
addictions specialists or certified substance abuse counselors who have
obtained master's degrees.
d. Has achieved a combined score set by the Board on a master's level written and oral examination administered by the Board.
e. Has
attained 180 hours of substance abuse specific training as describedfrom
either a regionally accredited college or university, which may include
unlimited independent study, or from training events of which no more than
fifty percent (50%) shall be in independent study. All hours shall be credited
according to the standards set forth in G.S. 90-113.41A.
f. The
applicant has documented completion of a minimum of 300 hours of supervised
practical training and has provided a Board-approved supervision contract
between the applicant and an approved applicant supervisor.
(2) Criteria B. - The applicant:
a. Has a minimum of a master's degree with a clinical application in a human services field from a regionally accredited college or university.
b. Has been certified as a substance abuse counselor.
c. Has one year of postgraduate supervised substance abuse counseling experience.
d. Has achieved a passing score on a master's level written examination administered by the Board.
e. Submits
three letters of reference from certified either licensed clinical
addictions specialists or certified substance abuse counselors who have
obtained master's degrees.
(3) Criteria C. - The applicant:
a. Has a minimum of a master's degree in a human services field with both a clinical application and a substance abuse specialty from a regionally accredited college or university that includes 180 hours of substance abuse specific education and training pursuant to G.S. 90-113.41A.
b. Has one year of postgraduate supervised substance abuse counseling experience.
c. Has achieved a passing score on an oral examination administered by the Board.
d. Submits
three letters of reference from certified licensed clinical
addictions specialists or certified substance abuse counselors who have
obtained master's degrees.
(4) Criteria D. - The applicant has a substance abuse certification from a professional discipline that has been granted deemed status by the Board.
(d) The Board shall issue
a certificate certifying an applicant as a "Substance Abuse Certified
Residential Facility Director" if, in addition to meeting the
requirements of subdivisions (a)(1) through (5) of this section, if
the applicant:
(1) Has been certified credentialed
as a substance abuse counselor or a clinical addictions specialist.
(2) Has 50 hours of Board approved academic or didactic management specific training or a combination thereof. Independent study may compose up to fifty percent (50%) of the total number of hours required for initial credentialing.
(3) Submits letters of reference from the applicant's current supervisor and a colleague or coworker.
(d1) The Board shall issue a certificate certifying an applicant as a 'Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional', with the acronym 'CCJP', if in addition to meeting the requirements of subdivisions (a)(1) through (5a) of this section, the applicant:
(1) Has attained 270 hours of Board-approved education or training, unless the applicant has attained a minimum of a masters degree with a clinical application and a substance abuse specialty from a regionally accredited college or university whereby the applicant must only obtain 180 hours. The hours of education shall be specifically related to the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the tasks within the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Incorporated, 'IC&RC/AODA, Inc.,' criminal justice addictions professional performance domains as they relate to both adults and juveniles. Independent study may compose up to fifty percent (50%) of the total number of hours obtained for initial certification or renewal.
(2) Has documented 300 hours of Board-approved supervised practical training. This supervision shall mean the administrative, clinical, and evaluative process of monitoring, assessing, and enhancing professional performance. A minimum of 10 hours of supervision in each criminal justice domain established by the IC&RC/AODA, Inc., is required.
(3) Has provided documentation of supervised work experience providing direct service to clients or offenders involved in one of the three branches of the criminal justice system, which include law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. The applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
a. Criteria A. - In addition to having a high school degree or GED, the applicant has a minimum of 6,000 hours of documented work experience in direct services in criminal justice or addictions services or any combination of these services that have been obtained during the past 10 years.
b. Criteria B. - In addition to having an associate degree, the applicant has a minimum of 5,000 hours of documented work experience in direct services in criminal justice or addictions services or any combination of these services obtained during the past 10 years.
c. Criteria C. - In addition to having at least a bachelors degree, the applicant has a minimum of 4,000 hours of documented work experience in direct services in criminal justice or addictions services, or any combination of these services, and this experience has been obtained during the past 10 years.
d. Criteria D. - In addition to having at least a masters degree in a human services field, the applicant has a minimum of 2,000 hours of documented work experience in direct services in criminal justice or addictions services or any combination of these services that has been obtained during the past 10 years.
e. Criteria E. - In addition to having at least a masters degree in a human services field with a specialty from a regionally accredited college or university that includes 180 hours of substance abuse specific education or training, the applicant has a minimum of 2,000 hours of postgraduate supervised substance abuse counseling experience.
f. Criteria F. - In addition to having obtained the credential of a certified clinical addictions specialist or other advanced credential in a human services field from an organization that has obtained deemed status with the Board, the applicant has a minimum of 1,000 hours of documented work experience in direct services in criminal justice or addictions services that has been obtained during the past 10 years.
(4) Has passed the IC&RC/AODA, Inc., certified criminal justice addictions professional written examination.
(e) The Board shall publish from time to time information in order to provide specifics for potential applicants of an acceptable educational curriculum and the terms of acceptable supervised fieldwork experience.
(f) Effective
until January 1, 2001, any person who is certified as a certified clinical
supervisor or who functions by his or her job description as a certified
clinical supervisor shall be qualified to supervise applicants for certified
clinical supervisor.
Effective from January 1, 2001 until January 1, 2003, only
a person who is certified both as a certified clinical supervisor and as a
certified clinical addictions specialist shall be qualified to supervise
applicants for certified clinical addictions specialist, but a person who is
certified as a certified clinical supervisor or a certified clinical addictions
specialist shall be qualified to supervise an applicant for certification as a
certified substance abuse counselor.
Effective January 1, 2003, only a person who is certified as
a certified clinical supervisor or a clinical supervisor intern shall be
qualified to supervise applicants for certified clinical supervisor and
certified substance abuse counselor and applicants for certified licensed
clinical addictions specialist who meet the qualifications of their
credential other than through deemed status as provided in G.S. 90-113.40(c)(4).
"§ 90-113.40A. Requirements for registration.
(a) Upon application and payment of the required fee, the Board shall issue a registration designating an applicant as a registrant if the applicant:
(1) Provides documentation that he or she has received a high school diploma, or the equivalent, and evidence of any baccalaureate or advanced degrees the applicant has received.
(2) Completes a registration application on a form provided by the Board.
(3) Provides documentation of three hours of educational training in ethics.
(4) Signs a form attesting to the applicant's commitment to adhere to the ethical standards adopted by the Board.
(4a) Submits to a complete criminal history record check pursuant to G.S. 90-113.46A.
(5) Signs a supervision
contract provided by the Board that documents the proposed supervision process
by an approved applicant supervisor.
(b) Registrant status
shall be maintained for a period of up to five years while the registrant is in
the process of completing his or her requirements for certification credentials
pursuant to this Article. If at the end of a five-year period a registrant has
not obtained certification a credential under this Article, the
Board shall renew the registration for up to an additional five-year period
after the registrant pays the required fee and complies with all requirements
for registration pursuant to G.S. 90-113.40A. The Board shall terminate
the registration of any registrant who fails to renew his or her registration.
(c) The registrant shall notify the Board of any criminal conviction imposed during the period of registration.
"§ 90-113.40B.
Approved Applicant supervision.
The Board shall designate a person as an approved applicant
supervisor of individuals applying for registration or certificationregistration,
certification, or licensure as a substance abuse professional as follows:
(1) A certified clinical supervisor shall supervise a clinical supervisor intern.
(2) A certified clinical supervisor or a clinical supervisor intern shall supervise a substance abuse residential facility director applicant, a clinical addictions specialist applicant, or a substance abuse counselor applicant.
(3) A certified
clinical supervisor, a clinical supervisor intern, a certified clinical
addictions specialist, or a certified substance abuse counselor shall supervise
a registrant who provides DWI assessments.
(4) A certified substance abuse prevention consultant with a minimum of three years of professional experience, a certified clinical supervisor, or a clinical supervisor intern shall supervise a registrant applying for certification as a prevention consultant.
(5) Pursuant to the deemed
status procedure under G.S. 90-113.41A, the supervision requirements
described in subdivisions (1) through (4) of this section shall not apply to
persons applying for certification licensure as a certified licensed
clinical addictions specialist.
(6) A criminal justice addictions professional applicant shall be supervised by a certified clinical supervisor or clinical supervisor intern.
"§ 90-113.41. Examination.
(a) Except for those
individuals applying for certification licensure under
G.S. 90-113.41A, applicants for certification or licensure under
this Article shall file an application at least 60 days prior to the date of
examination and upon the forms and in the manner prescribed by the Board. The
application shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee. No portion of this fee
is refundable. Applicants who fail an examination may apply for reexamination
upon the payment of another examination fee.
(b) Each applicant for
certification or licensure under this Article shall be examined tested
in an examination that is consistent with the examination requirements
ofdeveloped by the International Certification and Reciprocity
Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Incorporated and the standards adopted
by professional disciplines granted deemed status or their successor
organizations.
(c) Applicants for certification or licensure shall be examined at a time and place and under the supervision that the Board determines. Examinations shall be given in this State at least twice each year.
(d) Applicants may obtain their examination scores and may review their examination papers in accordance with rules the Board adopts and agreements between Board-authorized test development companies.
"§ 90-113.41A. Deemed status.
(a) To be granted deemed
status by the Board, a credentialing body of a professional discipline or its
designee shall demonstrate that its substance abuse certification credentialing
program substantially meets the following:
(1) Each person to whom the credentialing body awards credentials following the effective date of this act meets and maintains minimum requirements in substance abuse specific content areas. Each person also has a minimum of a master's degree with a clinical application in a human services field.
(2) The body requires 180 hours, or the equivalent thereof, of substance abuse specific education and training that covers the following content areas:
a. Basic addiction and cross addiction Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive drugs that are abused.
b. Screening, assessment, and intake of clients.
c. Individual, group, and family counseling.
d. Treatment, planning, reporting, and record keeping.
e. Crisis intervention.
f. Case management and treatment resources.
g. Ethics, legal issues, and confidentiality.
h. Psychological, emotional, personality, and developmental issues.
i. Coexisting
Co-occurring physical and mental disabilities.
j. Special population issues, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, and health status.
k. Traditions and philosophies of recovery treatment models and support groups.
(3) The program requires one year or its equivalent of post-degree supervised clinical substance abuse practice. At least fifty percent (50%) of the practice shall consist of direct substance abuse clinical care.
(b) The professional discipline seeking deemed status shall require its members to adhere to a code of ethical conduct and shall enforce that code with disciplinary action.
(c) The Board may grant
deemed status to any professional discipline that substantially meets the
standards in this section. Once such status has been granted, an individual
within the professional discipline may apply to the Board for certification
as a certified clinical addictions specialist.the credential of licensed
clinical addictions specialist.
(d) The Standards and
Credentialing Committee of the Board shall review the standards of each
professional discipline every third year from the date it was granted deemed
status to determine if the discipline continues to substantially meet the
requirements of this section. If the Committee finds that a professional
discipline no longer meets the requirements of this section, it shall report
its findings to the Board at the Board's next regularly scheduled meeting. The
deemed status standing of a professional discipline's credential may be
discontinued by a two-thirds vote of the Board.
"§ 90-113.41B. Change of name or address.
Every person licensed, certified certified, or
registered under the provisions of this Article shall give written notice to
the Board of any change in his or her name or address within 60 business days
after the change takes place.
"§ 90-113.42.
Exemptions.Violations; exemptions.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person not licensed or otherwise credentialed as a substance abuse professional pursuant to this Article to engage in those activities set forth in the scope of practice of a substance abuse professional under G.S. 90-113.31B, unless that person is regulated by another profession or is a registrant or intern as defined by this Article.
(b) It is not the
intent of this Article to regulate members of other regulated professions who
provide substance abuse services or consultation in the normal course of the
practice of their profession. Accordingly, this
(c) This Article does not apply to any person registered, certified, or licensed by the State or federal government to practice any other occupation or profession while rendering substance abuse services or consultation in the performance of the occupation or profession for which the person is registered, certified, or licensed.
(d) Only
individuals certified registered, certified, or licensed under
this Article may use the title certified substance abuse counselor,
certified substance abuse prevention consultant, certified clinical supervisor,
certified clinical addictions specialist, or certified residential facility
director. 'Certified Substance Abuse Counselor', 'Certified Substance
Abuse Prevention Consultant', 'Certified Clinical Supervisor', 'Licensed Clinical
Addictions Specialist', 'Certified Substance Abuse Residential Facility
Director', 'Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional', 'Substance
Abuse Counselor Intern', 'Clinical Addictions Specialist Intern', 'Clinical
Supervisor Intern', or 'Registrant'.
"§ 90-113.43. Illegal practice; misdemeanor penalty.
Except as otherwise authorized in this Article, no person shall:
(1) Practice,Offer
substance abuse professional services, practice, attempt to practice, or
supervise while holding himself or herself out to be a certified substance
abuse counselor, certified substance abuse prevention consultant, certified
clinical supervisor, certified clinical addictions specialist, or certified
residential facility directorsubstance abuse counselor, certified
substance abuse prevention consultant, certified clinical supervisor, certified
or licensed clinical addictions specialist, clinical addictions specialist
intern, substance abuse residential facility director, certified criminal
justice addictions professional, clinical supervisor intern, substance abuse
prevention consultant, or registrant without first having obtained a
certificate of certification registration, certification, or
licensure from the Board.
(2) Use in connection with
any name any letters, words, numerical codes, or insignia indicating or
implying that this person is a certified registrant, substance
abuse counselor, certified substance abuse prevention consultant,
certified clinical supervisor, certified clinical addictions specialist,
or certified substance abuse residential facility director director,
substance abuse counselor intern, or clinical addictions specialist intern unless
this person is certified registered, certified, or licensed pursuant
to this Article.
(3) Practice or attempt to
practice as a certified substance abuse counselor, certified substance abuse
prevention consultant, certified clinical supervisor, certified licensed
clinical addictions specialist, certified criminal justice addictions
professional, or certified substance abuse residential facility
director with a revoked, lapsed, or suspended certification.certification
or license.
(4) Aid, abet, or assist
any uncertified person to practice as a certified substance abuse
counselor, certified substance abuse prevention consultant, certified clinical
supervisor, certified licensed clinical addictions specialist, or
certified substance abuse residential facility director director,
registrant, substance abuse counselor intern, clinical addictions specialist,
or clinical supervisor intern in violation of this Article.
(5) Knowingly serve in a
position required by State law or rule or federal law or regulation to be
filled by a registrant, certified substance abuse counselor, certified
substance abuse prevention consultant, certified clinical supervisor, certified
licensed clinical addictions specialist, or certified substance
abuse residential facility director director, substance abuse
counselor intern, clinical addictions specialist intern, or clinical supervisor
intern unless that person is certified registered, certified, or
licensed under this Article.
(6) Repealed by S.L. 1997-492, s. 13.
(7) Practice, supervise, or attempt to practice or supervise or knowingly serve in a position required by State law or rule or federal law or regulation to be filled by a designated substance abuse intern without being designated as such by the Board.
A person who engages in any of the illegal practices enumerated by this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each act of unlawful practice constitutes a distinct and separate offense.
"§ 90-113.44. Grounds for disciplinary action.
(a) Grounds for disciplinary action for an applicant or credentialed professional include:
(1) The employment of
fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain certification
licensure, certification, or registration or renewal of certification
licensure, certification, or registration.
(2) The use of drugs or
alcoholic beverages to the extent that professional competency is affected,
until proof of rehabilitation can be established.affected.
(2a) The use of drugs or alcoholic beverages to the extent that a substance abuse professional suffers impairment.
(3) Conviction of an
offense under any municipal, State, or federal narcotic or controlled
substance law, until proof of rehabilitation can be established.law
other than traffic laws as prescribed by Chapter 20 of the General Statutes.
(4) Conviction of a felony
or other public offense involving moral turpitude, until proof of
rehabilitation can be established.turpitude. Conviction of a Class A-E
felony shall result in an immediate suspension of certification licensure,
certification, or registration for a minimum of one year.
(5) An adjudication of
insanity or incompetency, until proof of recovery from this condition can be established.established
by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
(6) Engaging in any act or practice in violation of any of the provisions of this Article or any of the rules adopted pursuant to it, or aiding, abetting, or assisting any other person in such a violation.
(7) The commission of an
act of malpractice, gross negligence, or incompetence in the practice of
substance abuse counseling, substance abuse prevention consulting, clinical
supervising, or in serving as a clinical addictions specialist, residential
facility director, or a registrant.while serving as a substance abuse
professional, intern, or registrant.
(8) Practicing
as a certified substance abuse counselor, certified substance abuse prevention
consultant, certified clinical supervisor, certified clinical addictions
specialist or certified residential facility director without a valid
certificate or practicing as a registrant without a valid registration.
(9) Engaging in conduct that could result in harm or injury to the public.
(10) Entering into a dual relationship that impairs professional judgment or increases the risk of exploitation with a client or supervisee.
(11) Practicing as a credentialed substance abuse professional outside of his or her scope of practice pursuant to G.S. 90-113.31B.
(b) Denial of an applicant's licensure, certification, or registration or the granting of licensure, certification, or registration on a probationary or other conditional status shall be subject to substantially the same rules and procedures prescribed by the Board for review and disciplinary actions against any person holding a license, certificate, or registration. A suspension of a credential resulting from impairment due to substance use, mental health, or medical disorder shall be imposed for at least six months beginning from the date of successful discharge from a residential substance abuse treatment program or other appropriate treatment modality determined as a result of an assessment by a Board-approved assessor. Disciplinary actions involving a clinical addictions specialist whose licensure is achieved through deemed status shall be initially heard by the specialist's credentialing body. The specialist may appeal the body's decision to the Board. The Board shall, however, have the discretionary authority to hear the initial disciplinary action involving a credentialed professional.
"§ 90-113.45. Enjoining illegal practices.
(a) The Board may, if it finds that any person is violating any of the provisions of this Article or of the rules adopted pursuant to it, apply in its own name to the superior court for a temporary or permanent restraining order or injunction to restrain that person from continuing these illegal practices. The court may grant injunctive relief regardless of whether criminal prosecution or other action has been or may be instituted as a result of the violation. In the court's consideration of the issue of whether to grant or continue an injunction sought by the Board, a showing of conduct in violation of the terms of this Article shall be sufficient to meet any requirement of general North Carolina injunction law for irreparable damage.
(b) The venue for actions brought under this section is the superior court of any county in which the illegal acts are alleged to have been committed or in the county where the defendant resides.
"§ 90-113.46. Application of requirements of Article.
All persons certified credentialed by the North
Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Practice Board,
Inc., as of July 1, 1994, shall be certified credentialed by the
Board pursuant to this Article. All these persons are subject to all the other
requirements of this Article and of the rules adopted pursuant to it.
"§ 90-113.46A. Criminal history record checks of applicants for registration, certification, or licensure.
(a) All applicants for registration, certification, or licensure shall consent to a criminal history record check. Refusal to consent to a criminal history record check may constitute grounds for the Board to deny registration, certification, or licensure to an applicant. The Board shall ensure that the State and national criminal history of an applicant is checked. The Board shall be responsible for providing to the North Carolina Department of Justice the fingerprints of the applicant to be checked, a form signed by the applicant consenting to the criminal history record check and the use of fingerprints and other identifying information required by the State or National Repositories, the fee required by the Department of Justice for providing this service, and any additional information required by the Department of Justice. The Board shall keep all information obtained pursuant to this section confidential.
(b) If an applicant's criminal history record check reveals one or more convictions as defined in G.S. 90-113.31A(14), the conviction shall not automatically bar issuance of a credential by the Board to the applicant. The Board shall consider all of the following factors regarding the conviction:
(1) The level of seriousness of the crime.
(2) The date of the crime.
(3) The age of the person at the time of the conviction.
(4) The circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime, if known.
(5) The nexus between the criminal conduct of the person and the job duties of the position to be filled.
(6) The person's prison, jail, probation, parole, rehabilitation, and employment records since the date the crime was committed.
(7) The subsequent commission by the person of a crime as defined in G.S. 90-113.31A(14).
If, after reviewing the factors, the Board determines that the grounds set forth in G.S. 90-113.44 exist, the Board may deny registration, certification, or licensure of the applicant. The Board may disclose to the applicant information contained in the criminal history record check that is relevant to the denial. The Board shall not provide a copy of the criminal history record check to the applicant. The applicant shall have the right to appear before the Board to appeal the Board's decision. However, an appearance before the full Board shall constitute an exhaustion of administrative remedies in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(c) Limited Immunity. - The Board, its officers and employees, acting in good faith and in compliance with this section, shall be immune from civil liability for denying registration, certification, or licensure to an applicant based on information provided in the applicant's criminal history record check."
SECTION 2. Article 4 of Chapter 114 of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:
"§ 114-19.11A. Criminal record checks of applicants for registration, certification, or licensure as a substance abuse professional.
The Department of Justice may provide to the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board from the State and National Repositories of Criminal Histories the criminal history of any applicant for registration, certification, or licensure pursuant to Article 5C of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes. Along with the request, the Board shall provide to the Department of Justice the fingerprints of the applicant, a form signed by the applicant consenting to the criminal record check and use of fingerprints and other identifying information required by the State and National Repositories, and any additional information required by the Department of Justice. The applicant's fingerprints shall be forwarded to the State Bureau of Investigation for a search of the State's criminal history record file, and the State Bureau of Investigation shall forward a set of fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history record check. The Board shall keep all information obtained pursuant to this section confidential. The Department of Justice may charge a fee to offset the cost incurred by it to conduct a criminal record check under this section. The fee shall not exceed the actual cost of locating, editing, researching, and retrieving the information."
SECTION 3. All members serving on the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board on the effective date of this act shall complete their current three-year terms. Upon completion of their terms, newly appointed or elected members of the Board shall serve four-year terms pursuant to G.S. 90-113.33, as enacted in Section 1 of this act.
SECTION 4. Notwithstanding G.S. 90-113.40(d1), as enacted by Section 1 of this act, the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board may certify a person as a certified criminal justice addictions professional during a limited period of 90 days from the date this act becomes effective and the credential is approved by the IC&RC/AODA, Inc., if the applicant qualifies based on experience providing services to clients or offenders exhibiting substance abuse disorders and is working in a program determined by the Board to be integrally involved in at least one of the three branches of the criminal justice system, which include law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. In addition to meeting the requirements of G.S. 90-113.40(a)(1) through (5a), the person shall do the following:
(1) Provide two letters recommending certification from a current or former peer who functions in substantially the same professional capacity as determined by the Board.
(2) Provide one letter recommending certification from a person currently supervising or who has supervised the applicant within the previous five years attesting to the applicant's competency in the fields of substance abuse and criminal justice.
(3) Pay the criminal justice addictions professional certification fee for certification not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
(4) Provide one of the following:
a. A high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate, documentation of eight years or 16,000 hours of supervised work experience providing direct service to clients or offenders determined by the Board to be integrally involved in at least one of the three branches of the criminal justice system, which include law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections.
b. An associate degree and documentation of six years or 12,000 hours of supervised work experience providing direct service to clients or offenders determined by the Board to be integrally involved in the three branches of the criminal justice system, which include law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections.
c. A bachelors degree in the human services field with four years or 8,000 hours of supervised work experience providing direct service to clients or offenders determined by the Board to be integrally involved in at least one of the three branches of the criminal justice system, which include law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections.
d. A masters degree or above in the human services field with two years or 4,000 hours of supervised work experience providing direct service to clients or offenders determined by the Board to be integrally involved in the three branches of the criminal justice system, which include law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections.
(5) Provide documentation of at least 270 clock hours of Board-approved education and 300 hours of Board-approved supervised practical training, both in the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Incorporated, criminal justice addiction professional performance domains.
SECTION 5. This act is effective when it becomes law.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 23rd day of August, 2005.
s/ Beverly E. Perdue
President of the Senate
s/ James B. Black
Speaker of the House of Representatives
s/ Michael F. Easley
Governor
Approved 2:03 p.m. this 22nd day of September, 2005