11975.39.
(a) Commencing January 1, 2013, a CPTO shall inform the department of each intern registered with the CPTO within 30 days of the individual becoming registered with the CPTO. Each person registering as an intern shall meet all of the following requirements:(1) Completed and submitted an application for internship. An individual who seeks licensure as an LAODC shall be accepted as an intern prior to either of the following:
(A) Providing alcohol and other drug counseling, unless the individual maintains a valid certification pursuant to this part.
(B) Gaining the required hours of clinically supervised experience required pursuant to this part.
(2) Has begun taking the coursework required to meet the educational requirements
specified in Section 11975.42.
(3) Submitted to a state and federal level criminal offender record information search and passed both background checks as specified in Section 11976.35.
(4) Paid the required fees as specified in Section 11977.15.
(5) Signed a statement indicating that he or she has read and understands unprofessional conduct as that term is used in Section 11975.95.
(b) An intern shall renew his or her registration at least once every year.
11975.40.
Commencing January 1, 2013, and until the disposition of all completed applications actually received by the department prior to January 1, 2016, the department shall issue a Licensed Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (LAODC) license to a person who the department determines was certified as an alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor immediately preceding January 1, 2013, in accordance with regulations of the department in effect on that date, and who has met either of the following requirements prior to January 1, 2013:(a) Possesses an earned master of arts, master of science, or doctoral degree in alcohol and drug counseling, psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, marital and family therapy, or other clinically focused discipline, or an equivalent degree from an institution of higher learning, and has
completed all of the following:
(1) Six hours of education in clinical supervision techniques.
(2) Sixteen hours of education on operating an independent counseling practice, including both of the following:
(A) Six hours of education in the subject of law and ethics as it relates to a licensee’s ability to practice alcohol and other drug abuse counseling safely. This education may include, but shall not be limited to, education in the legal and regulatory aspects of chemical dependency treatment, regulatory restrictions, confidentiality, issues surrounding clients’ rights, and standards of competency for the practice of alcohol and other drug abuse counseling.
(B) Ten hours of education in the screening for co-occurring disorders, and referral processes, which will be in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations from the Co-Occurring Center for Excellence (COCE) in the federal Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other related materials, and the evaluation of clients using placement criteria, such as the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria or other validated clinical tools, to determine the most appropriate level of care for the client and client’s eligibility for admission to a particular alcohol and other drug abuse treatment program.
(3) All of the hours of education required by this section may be gained as part of the education leading to a person’s earned master of arts, master of science, or doctoral degree.
(4) Submitted to a state and federal level criminal offender record information search and passed both background checks as specified in Section 11976.35.
(5) Paid the required fees as specified in Section 11977.15.
(6) Completed the application for a license to be licensed as a LAODC.
(7) Signed a statement
indicating that he or she has read and understands what constitutes unprofessional conduct as that term is used in Section 11975.95.
(b) (1) Passed a test prior to January 1, 2012, that is recognized by a CPTO, and is sufficient to verify the skill and knowledge determined by an applicable job task analysis.
(2) Completed a course of education as described in Section 11975.45 that includes at least 315 hours of classroom instruction in alcohol and other drug abuse counseling, including, but not limited to, a 45-hour classroom practicum course offered by a provider approved by the CPTO.
(3) Completed 10,000 hours of work experience that is within the scope of practice of a counselor specified in Section 11975.75 as a certified counselor and as verified by a CPTO prior to the date the application for licensure was filed, and is currently certified as a counselor by a CPTO.
(4) Completed at least 255 hours of fieldwork in a clinically supervised practicum approved by a CPTO.
(5) Completed at least six hours of education in supervision techniques.
(6) Completed at least six hours of education in the subject of law and ethics as it relates to a licensee’s ability to practice alcohol and other drug abuse counseling safely. This education may include, but shall not be limited to, education in the legal and regulatory aspects of chemical dependency treatment, regulatory restrictions, confidentiality, issues surrounding clients’ rights, and standards of competency for the practice of alcohol and other drug abuse counseling.
(7) Completed at least 10 hours of education in the recognition of co-occurring disorders, referral processes, and the evaluation of clients using placement criteria, such as the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria to determine the most appropriate level of care for a
client and a client’s eligibility for admission to a particular alcohol and other drug abuse treatment program.
(8) Sixteen hours of education on operating an independent counseling practice.
(9) Submitted to a state and federal level criminal offender record information search and passed both background checks as specified in Section 11976.35.
(10) Paid the required fees as specified in Section 11977.15.
(11) Completed the application to be licensed as a LAODC.
(12) Signed a statement indicating that he or she has read and understands what constitutes unprofessional conduct as that term is used in Section 11975.95.
(13) Is in possession of an existing certification valid pursuant to Section 11975.90.
11975.42.
Commencing January 1, 2013, the department shall issue a Licensed Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (LAODC) license, to a person if all of the following requirements are met:(a) Possesses an earned master of arts, master of science, or doctoral degree in alcohol and drug counseling, psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, marital and family therapy, or other related clinically focused major, or an equivalent degree recognized by the department from an institution of higher learning.
(b) Completed all of the following:
(1) Forty hours of education in clinical supervision techniques.
(2) A minimum of 90 hours of education on operating an independent AOD counseling practice, including the following:
(A) Thirty hours of education in the subject of law and ethics as it relates to a licensee’s ability to practice alcohol and other drug abuse counseling safely. This education may include, but shall not be limited to, education in the legal and regulatory aspects of chemical dependency treatment including the scope of practice restrictions specified in Section 11975.75, confidentiality, child abuse assessment and reporting, issues surrounding clients’ rights, and the standards of competency for the practice of alcohol and other drug abuse counseling.
(B) Sixty hours of education in psychopathology, including screening for co-occurring disorders, and referral processes.
(C) Training in the use of client placement criteria, including, but not limited to, the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria or other validated clinical tools, to determine the most appropriate level of care for the client and client’s eligibility for admission to a particular
alcohol and other drug abuse treatment program.
(c) Passed a test administered by a CPTO as specified in Section 11975.50.
(d) Completed a supervised practicum required by the institution of higher learning that awarded the applicant his or her degree.
(e) Completed 3,120 hours of work experience as specified in Section 11975.60 which hours shall be inclusive of the hours spent in the practicum specified in subdivision (d) and the 2,080 work experience hours specified in Section 11975.60.
(f) Submitted to a state and federal level criminal offender record information search and passed both background checks as specified in Section 11976.35.
(g) Paid the required fees as specified in Section 11977.15.
(h) Completed and submitted an application for this license and satisfied all other requirements of this part for licensure as an LAODC.
(i) Signed a statement indicating that he or she has read and understands what constitutes unprofessional conduct as that term is used in Section 11975.95.
(j) All of the hours of education required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (b) may be gained as part of the education leading to a person’s earned master of arts, master of science, or doctoral degree.
11975.45.
The curriculum for educational qualifications required for certification, licensure, or recognition as a registrant or an intern pursuant to this part shall, at a minimum, meet the requirements as determined by the TAP 21 for all counselors, and by the TAP 21A for AOD counselors at the LAODC level.11975.50.
A test developed or recognized by a CPTO shall meet, at a minimum, all of the following criteria:(a) Sufficient to examine and verify the appropriate level of skills and knowledge as described in the TAP 21 or TAP 21A and the job task analysis created specifically for the level of certification and licensure intended.
(b) Psychometrically validated to cover the curriculum, skills and knowledge required by this part including the competencies determined by the TAP 21 for all AOD counselors and the TAP 21A for CAODCs and LAODCs.
(c) Administered at a frequency and under conditions providing reasonable access and security.
(d) Maintained in accordance with industry standards, including, but not limited to, revalidating every five years, performing a cut
score validated annually to maintain validity, and maintaining an annual question bank maintenance.
(e) Protected, to the best of the CPTO’s ability, the integrity of the testing instruments utilized and shall maintain a plan of action to respond to a compromised test. A CPTO shall report any test that becomes compromised at any time to the department with the documented incident and plan of action within five business days of discovering a compromising incident.
11975.55.
No later than five years after implementation of this chapter, the department shall recognize a single test for LAODCs after consultation with the advisory committee and public and private agencies and individuals with expertise in alcohol and other drug abuse counseling.11975.60.
The work experience required by this part shall meet all of the following criteria:(a) No hours of experience may be gained more than six years prior to the date the application for recognition as a registrant or an intern, or for certification or licensure, as applicable, was filed, except as specifically provided in this part, unless a CPTO makes a determination approved by the department regarding an individual for whom a hardship exists, in which case the CPTO may allow up to two additional years to gain the work experience.
(b) Clinical supervision of registrants and interns conducted pursuant to this section shall include at least one hour of direct supervisor contact during each 40-hour work period, and must be conducted while the registrants or interns are performing services that are within the
scope of practice of a counselor specified in Section 11975.75.
(c) Work experience shall not be gained prior to becoming a registrant.
(d) For purposes of this section “one hour of direct supervisor contact” means either of the following:
(1) One hour of face-to-face contact on an individual basis during counseling periods or during provision of other services specified in Section 11975.75.
(2) Two hours of face-to-face contact during counseling periods or during the provision of other services specified in Section 11975.75, with a group that includes not more than five registrants in one session.
(e) Work experience may be completed in any setting that meets both of the following:
(1) Lawfully and regularly provides alcohol and other drug counseling.
(2) Provides administrative supervision to ensure that the
registrant’s or intern’s work setting meets the requirements of this part and is within the scope of practice for the profession as specified in Section 11975.75.
(f) Clinical supervision hours required of registrants to become eligible for certification shall be supervised by a licensed or certified counselor who has 6,000 hours of work experience that is within the scope of practice of a counselor specified in Section 11975.75 and who is approved by a CPTO for supervising registrants in a setting that lawfully provides addiction counseling services or by any of the following licensed professions:
(1) A physician and surgeon licensed by the Medical Board of California.
(2) A psychologist licensed by the Board of Psychology.
(3) A clinical social worker or marriage and family therapist licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences
(4) Another licensed mental health
professional specified by the department by regulation.
(g) Hours of work experience that can be credited toward the requirements for licensure pursuant to Section 11975.42 shall meet all of the following requirements:
(1) Two thousand eighty hours of work experience credited toward licensure may only be acquired in a setting in which a certified or licensed counselor, or an individual listed in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (f) is physically present.
(2) (A) Before beginning the remaining 1,040 hours of work experience required for licensure, a person shall register as an intern with a CPTO and the department. The remaining 1,040 experience hours for licensure specified in Section 11975.42 shall be gained under the supervision of an LAODC, or any of the following licensed professionals:
(i) A physician and surgeon licensed by the Medical Board of California.
(ii) A psychologist licensed by the Board of Psychology.
(iii) A clinical social worker or marriage and family therapist licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(iv) Another licensed mental health professional specified by the department by regulation.
(B) A CAODC performing services in a private practice setting shall be supervised by a person who is either an LAODC, a marriage and family therapist, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed psychologist, a licensed physician and surgeon certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, or a physician and surgeon who has completed a residency, but is not yet board certified, in psychiatry. All supervisors of interns seeking hours of work experience for licensure shall have at least 6,000 hours of direct treatment experience in substance abuse and addiction.
(C) A person supervising an intern shall have
a written agreement with the supervisee describing the planned hours of practice, supervision schedule, nature of work assignments, and other specifications that the supervisor reasonably deems appropriate to the supervisee’s level of training.
(D) A person supervising an intern shall evaluate a supervisee at least annually, emphasizing his or her strengths and shortcomings, as well as areas in which the supervisee should pursue additional knowledge or skill development. These evaluations shall be signed by both the supervisor and the supervisee and copies shall be retained by both for seven years. The department may request copies of these evaluations.
(E) Clinical supervision conducted pursuant to this subdivision shall include at least 50 hours of face-to-face supervision per year. As necessary, clinical supervisors shall make themselves available to each supervisee for face-to-face consultations or consultations via telephone or other electronic
means.
(F) A clinical supervisor of interns shall be limited to supervising no more than five supervisees in one session.
(h) (1) Supervisors who are certified counselors but who do not hold an LAODC license or who are not listed among persons listed in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (f) shall complete the following:
(A) Forty hours of education in the subject matter covered by the TAP 21A as specified in Section 11975.45.
(B) CPTOs shall require alcohol and other drug supervisors to have at least three years experience in a setting that lawfully and regularly provides alcohol and other drug (AOD) counseling.
(i) Total work experience hours shall be gained in each of the service areas that are within the scope of practice of a counselor specified in Section 11975.75, approximately in ratios normally engaged in by those currently
working in the field.
(j) Work experience may be gained solely as part of the position or positions in which the individual volunteers or is employed as an AOD counselor carrying out the duties of an AOD counselor.
(k) All persons shall be registered with or be certified by the department in order to be credited for the work experience necessary for certification or licensure.
11975.65.
Nothing in this part shall be construed to constrict, limit, or withdraw the Medical Practice Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000)), the Nursing Practice Act (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 2700)), the Psychology Licensing Act (Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900)), the Marriage and Family Therapist Act (Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980)), or the Clinical Social Worker Practice Act (Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991)) as these are set forth in Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, or Substance Abuse Professionals as defined by the United States Department of Transportation.11975.70.
This part shall not apply to any of the following, provided that this exception shall not preclude the department from considering any conduct in any setting in its determination of fitness for registration, certification, or licensure or in any disciplinary matter.(a) A person who engages in the practice of alcohol and drug counseling exclusively as an employee or volunteer of an agency of the:
(1) Armed Forces.
(2) United States government.
(3) State of California.
(b) A person who is an unpaid member of a peer or self-help group who performs peer group or self-help activities if the person does not use a title stating or implying that he or she is a licensed alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor or any other
designation listed in Section 11975.85.
(c) A cleric or other religious leader who provides spiritual advice and guidance to members of his or her congregation or order, or to other persons, if it is free of charge.
(d) A director, officer, or staff member of a program described in Section 8001 of the Penal Code.
(e) A person who is providing alcohol and other drug abuse counseling services and is listed in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of Subdivision (f) of Section 11975.60 or who is a Substance Abuse Professional as defined by the United States Department of Transportation.
11975.75.
(a) An individual licensed, registered, or certified under this part may engage in the practice of alcohol and other drug abuse counseling within the scope at his or her license, registration, or certification. Alcohol and other drug abuse counseling is the application of counseling approaches and methods derived from alcohol and drug theory and research, for the purpose of treating alcohol and other drug abuse problems, the practice of which conforms to the practitioner’s level of training, education, and experience. A person who is employed by or volunteers in a treatment program, but who is not certified or licensed, or recognized as a registrant or intern, may respond to general inquiries from the public or potential clients regarding the general organization and operation of the program, the types of services offered, site locations,
clients rights, including their right to confidentiality, and other questions that may be asked via telephone, personal communication, or web-based contact with the program so long as that person does not engage in the activities specified in subdivision (c), except that he or she may provide information that could fall under the practice delineated in paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) if the information is of a general nature of the type that normally appears in a brochure or Internet Web site published by the program, and does not address any person’s individual treatment.(b) A counselor or registrant may perform the acts listed in this section only for the purpose of treating alcohol and other drug problems.
(c) For purposes of this part, “alcohol and other drug abuse counseling” means performing any of the following services for the purpose of treating alcohol and other drug abuse:
(1) Screening, which means the process
by which a client is determined to be eligible for admission to a particular alcohol and other drug abuse treatment program.
(2) Initial intake, which means the administrative and initial assessment procedures for admission to an alcohol and other drug abuse treatment program. “Assessment” shall not include psychological testing intended to measure or diagnose mental illness.
(3) Orientation, which means the act of describing to the client the general nature and goals of the alcohol and other drug abuse treatment program, including rules governing client conduct and infractions that can lead to disciplinary action or discharge from the program.
(4) Alcohol and other drug abuse counseling, including individual, group, and significant others. The utilization of special skills to assist individuals, families, or groups in achieving objectives through exploration of a problem and its ramifications, examination of attitudes and
feelings, considerations of alternative solutions, and decision making as each relates to substance abuse. Counseling shall be limited to assisting a client in learning more about himself or herself for the purposes of understanding how to effectuate clearly perceived, realistically defined goals related to abstinence. Counseling is limited to assisting the client to learn or acquire new skills that will enable the client to cope and adjust to life situations without the use of substances.
(5) Case management, which means the activities that bring services, agencies, resources, or individuals together within a planned framework of action toward achievement of established goals. Case management may involve liaison activities and collateral contacts.
(6) Crisis intervention, which means the provision of services that respond to an alcohol or drug abuser’s needs during acute emotional or physical distress, including, but not limited to, referrals for
assessment of the client’ s need for additional psychological or medical treatment for client behaviors that signal risk or prolonged distress.
(7) Assessment, which means the use of procedures by which a counselor or program identifies and evaluates an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, problems, and needs for the development of the alcohol and other drug abuse treatment plan.
(8) Treatment planning, which means the process by which the counselor and the client identify and rank problems needing resolution, establish agreed-upon immediate and long-term goals, and decide on a treatment process and the resources to be utilized.
(9) Client education, which means the provision of information to individuals and groups concerning alcohol and other drugs of abuse and the services and resources available.
(10) Referral, which means the process of identifying the needs of the client that cannot be met by
the counselor or agency, as well as assisting the client in utilizing the support systems and community resources available.
(11) Reports and recordkeeping, which means the documentation of the client’s progress in achieving the client’s goals.
(12) Consultation with other professionals with regard to client treatment or services and communicating with other professionals to ensure comprehensive, quality care for the client.
(d) A licensee, certified counselor, or registrant may perform the acts listed in this section only for the purpose of treating alcohol and other drug abuse and only within a program that is certified or a facility that is licensed by the department, or within an independent counseling practice if performed in accordance with applicable provisions of this part.
(e) Nothing in this part shall be interpreted to prohibit the department from requiring the hiring or contractual
retention of one or more LAODCs as a condition of licensing a facility or certifying a program. Nothing in this part shall be interpreted to authorize a state or local governmental agency to require a licensed facility or certified program to hire or contractually retain one or more LAODCs as a condition of allocating funds to or making contracts with licensed facilities or certified programs.
11975.77.
A licensee who operates an independent counseling practice shall, within 14 days of assessment, refer any client assessed as needing additional services not within the scope of practice as specified in Section 11975.75 to another licensed professional, as appropriate.11975.80.
(a) The department shall issue a license or certification to each applicant meeting the requirements of this part. This license or certification shall permit the holder to engage in alcohol and other drug counseling as specified in Section 11975.75, entitle the holder to use the title of licensed counselor or CAODC, as applicable, and authorize the holder to hold himself or herself out as qualified to perform the functions delineated by this part, subject to any limitations relating to the level of the license or certification or other conditions that may be imposed by this part. The form of the license or certification shall be determined by the department.(b) The department shall recognize as a registrant or an intern each individual applicant meeting the requirements of this part. This recognition shall
permit the holder to engage in alcohol and other drug counseling as specified in Section 11975.75, entitle the individual to use the title of RAODC, or AOD counselor intern as applicable, and authorize the holder to hold himself or herself out as qualified to perform the functions delineated by this part. The form of the registration or internship shall be determined by the department.
11975.85.
(a) A person who has received a certificate or license under this part may use the title “Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor” or “CAODC,” or “Licensed Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor” or “LAODC,” in accordance with the type of certificate or license possessed. Every person who styles himself or herself or who holds himself or herself out to be a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, or Licensed Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor without holding a license or certification, in good standing under this part, is guilty of a misdemeanor.(b) A person who has been recognized by the department as a registrant under this part may use the title “Registered Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor” or “RAODC.” Every person who styles himself or herself or who holds himself or herself out to be a RAODC without
recognition from the department in good standing under this part is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(c) A person who has been recognized by the department as an intern under this part may use the title “Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor Intern” or “Intern.” Every person who styles himself or herself or who holds himself or herself out to be an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor Intern without recognition from the department in good standing under this part is guilty of a misdemeanor.
11975.90.
(a) It is unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of alcohol and other drug counseling unless at the time of so doing the person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked certificate or license under this part, or has been recognized by the department as a registrant or an intern pursuant to this part, excluding this practice by a person who is exempt pursuant to Section 11975.70.(b) It is unlawful to engage in the unsupervised practice of alcohol and other drug abuse counseling by a person who is registered or certified under this part except in a facility exempt from licensure or certification by this division, or is licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services or the State Department of Public Health, or is a facility licensed or a program certified by the department or that is an
independent counseling practice. This subdivision does not apply to a person who holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license issued by the department under this part or who is working in an independent practice as defined by this part.
(c) Between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2016, it is not unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of alcohol and other drug counseling if the person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked certification or registration in accordance with the regulations of the department in effect immediately preceding December 31, 2010.
(d) Nothing in this part shall be construed to mean that counselors and staff working in a facility licensed or certified by the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs are required to obtain a license.
(e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2013.
11975.95.
The department may deny, revoke, suspend, or impose conditions upon a license, certification, or registered status of a registrant or an intern, for unprofessional conduct. Unprofessional conduct, includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:(a) The conviction of a crime that permits denial of a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or an intern, pursuant to Section 11976.35 or which the department finds is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee, certificant, intern, or registrant under this part.
(b) Securing a license, certification, or recognition from the department as a registrant or an intern, by fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation on any application submitted to the department, whether engaged in by an applicant for a license,
certification, or registration, or in support of any application by another.
(c) Unlawfully administering to himself or herself any controlled substance as defined in Section 4021 of the Business and Professions Code, or using any of the dangerous drugs or devices specified in Section 4022 of the Business and Professions Code or using any alcoholic beverage to the extent, or in a manner, as to be dangerous or injurious to the person applying for a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or intern, or holding a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or intern under this part, or to any other person, or to the public, or, to the extent that the use impairs the ability of the person applying for or holding a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or intern, to conduct with safety to the public the counseling authorized by this part. The department may deny an application for a license, certification, or any recognition as a registrant or
intern, or may revoke the license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or intern, of any person who unlawfully uses or offers to use a controlled substance as defined in Section 4021 of the Business and Professions Code, a dangerous drug or device specified in Section 4022 of the Business and Professions Code, or alcohol in the course of performing alcohol and other drug counseling. This provision does not apply to any person also licensed as a physician and surgeon under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of the Business and Professions Code or the Osteopathic Act who lawfully prescribes drugs to a patient under his or her care.
(d) Gross negligence or incompetence in the performance of alcohol and other drug counseling.
(e) Violating, attempting to violate, or conspiring to violate this part or any regulation adopted by the department.
(f) Misrepresentation as to the type or status of a license,
certification, or any recognition as a registrant or intern, held by the person, or otherwise misrepresenting or permitting misrepresentation of his or her education, professional qualifications, or professional affiliations to any person or entity.
(g) Impersonation of another by any alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor or applicant for a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or intern, or, in the case of a an AOD counselor, allowing any other person to use his or her license, or certification, or registration, recognition as a registrant or intern.
(h) Aiding or abetting any unlicensed, or uncertified person, or any person not recognized as a registrant or intern, to engage in conduct for which a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or intern, is required under this part.
(i) Intentionally or recklessly causing physical or emotional harm to any client or verbally, physically, or sexually
harassing, threatening, or abusing any participant, patient, resident, their family members, or other persons who are significant to them.
(j) The commission of any dishonest, corrupt, or fraudulent act substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of an AOD counselor or registrant.
(k) Soliciting or engaging in sexual relations with a client or with a former client within two years from the termination date of therapy with the client, soliciting sexual relations with a client, or committing an act of sexual abuse, or sexual misconduct with a client, or committing an act punishable as a sexually related crime, if that act or solicitation is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of an alcohol and other drug counselor treatment.
(l) (1) Engaging in a social or business relationship with a current client, program participant, patient, or resident, a current
client’s family member, or other persons significant to the client while they are in treatment.
(2) Exploiting a former client, program participant, patient, or resident or other person significant to a client.
(m) Performing, or holding oneself out as being able to perform, or offering to perform, or permitting any registrant or intern under supervision, to perform any professional services beyond the scope of a registration or internship authorized by this part.
(n) Failure to maintain confidentiality, except as otherwise required or permitted by law, including, but not limited to, Part 2 (commencing with Section 2.1) of Subchapter A of Chapter 1 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(o) Prior to the commencement of treatment, failing to disclose to the client or prospective client the fee to be charged for the professional services, or the basis upon which that fee will be
computed.
(p) Paying, accepting, or soliciting any consideration, compensation, or remuneration, whether monetary or otherwise, for the referral of professional clients. All consideration, compensation, or remuneration shall be in relation to professional counseling services actually provided by the LAODC, CAODC, registrant or intern. Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent collaboration among two or more AOD counselors or other professionals in a case or cases. However, no fee shall be charged for that collaboration, except when disclosure of the fee has been made in compliance with subdivision (o).
(q) Advertising or using a name or professional status in a manner that is false, misleading, or deceptive.
(r) Conduct in the clinical supervision of any individual AOD counselor that violates this part or rules or regulations adopted by the department.
(s) Failure to keep records consistent with
sound professional judgment, the standards of the profession, and the nature of the services being rendered.
(t) Failure to comply with the child abuse reporting requirements of Section 11166 of the Penal Code.
(u) Failure to comply with the elder and dependent adult abuse reporting requirements of Section 15630 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(v) Willful denial of access to client records as otherwise provided by law.
(w) A registrant, intern, or certified counselor shall not receive any remuneration from patients or clients, and shall be paid only by his or her employer.
11976.10.
The department shall revoke a license or certification, or withdraw a recognition of a registrant or intern, issued under this part upon a decision made in accordance with the procedures set forth in the adjudication provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) that contains any finding of fact that the AOD counselor engaged in any act of sexual contact, as defined in Section 729 of the Business and Professions Code, when that act is with a client, or with a former client when the relationship was terminated primarily for the purpose of engaging in that act. The revocation shall not be stayed by the administrative law judge or the department.11976.15.
The department may deny an application, or may suspend or revoke a license, certification, or recognition of a registrant or an intern, issued under this part, for denial of licensure, revocation, suspension, restriction, or other disciplinary action imposed by another state or territory of the United States, or by any other governmental agency, on a license, certificate, or recognition of a registrant or an intern to practice alcohol and other drug counseling or other healing art. A certified copy of the disciplinary action decision or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of that action.11976.20.
The director may temporarily suspend a license, certification, or the status of a registrant or an intern, prior to a hearing when, in the opinion of the director, the action is necessary to protect a client from physical or mental abuse, abandonment, or other substantial threat to health or safety. The director shall give notice of the temporary suspension and the effective date of the temporary suspension and, at the same time, shall serve an accusation. Upon receipt of a notice of defense to the accusation, the director shall, within 15 days, set the matter for hearing, and the hearing shall be held as soon as possible. The temporary suspension shall remain in effect until the time the hearing is completed and the director has made a final determination on the need for the temporary suspension to remain in place pending resolution of the accusation. However,
the temporary suspension shall be deemed vacated if the director fails to make a final determination on the merits within 30 days after the hearing, if the director hears the matter personally or within 30 days after the department receives the proposed decision from the Office of Administrative Hearings, or if the matter is heard by a hearing officer.11976.25.
(a) A person who has applied for or received a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or an intern, from the department under this part has the right to appeal an adverse decision of the department with regard to his or her application, license, certificate, or recognition of a registrant or an intern.(b) An appeal shall be determined in accordance with the adjudication provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
11976.30.
An applicant who fails a test administered by the CPTO may within one year from the notification date of failure retake that test in accordance with procedures established by the CPTO.11976.35.
(a) An applicant for a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or an intern under this part shall consent to a state and federal level criminal offender record information search as part of a criminal history background check. Refusal to consent to the criminal history background check, as delineated in this section, shall result in denial of the license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or an intern.(b) The following procedure shall be followed for criminal offender record information searches:
(1) The department shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice for all alcohol and other drug counselor licensure, certification, registration or intern applicants to obtain information
on the existence and content of a record of state or federal convictions, state or federal arrests, and the existence and content of a record of state or federal arrests for which the Department of Justice establishes that the person is free on bail or on his or her own recognizance pending trial or appeal.
(2) When received, the Department of Justice shall forward the relevant information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation requests for federal summary criminal history information received pursuant to this section. The Department of Justice shall review the information returned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and compile and disseminate a response to the department.
(3) The Department of Justice shall provide a response to the department pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.
(4) The department shall request from the Department of Justice subsequent arrest notification
service, as provided pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code, for all persons described in paragraph (1).
(5) The Department of Justice shall charge fees sufficient to cover the cost of processing the request described in this section. The applicant shall be responsible for payment of these fees.
(6) The applicant shall pay the fee for fingerprint image rolling and electronic submission charged by the live scan device operator.
(c) Before issuing a certification or license or recognizing an individual as a registrant or an intern, the department shall ensure that the state and federal level criminal history of the applicant is reviewed.
(d) The department shall deny any person’s license, certification, or the person’s status as a registrant or an intern if, at the time of the department’s determination, the person meets one or more of the following criteria:
(1) Subject to subdivisions (b) and (e), he or she has been convicted of three or more serious felonies listed in subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7 of the Penal Code. Each conviction must have arisen from a different incident and all of the incidents resulting in conviction must have occurred within a single five-year period. The most recent conviction must have occurred more than five years prior to the date of the department’s determination.
(2) The person is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code or was convicted of violating equivalent provisions of any jurisdiction outside of California.
(3) Subject to subdivisions (b) and (e), the person has been convicted of a violent felony, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code, within nine years prior to of the date of the department’s determination.
(e) (1) After the expiration
of three years from the date of conviction, if a person described in paragraph (1) or (3) of subdivision (d) is on parole, he or she may be certified, licensed, or recognized by the department as a registrant or an intern, if the department receives the written approval of his or her parole officer or the Board of Parole Hearings, as the Board of Parole Hearings may provide. The Board of Parole Hearings may withdraw approval with written notice to the alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor and to the department. The AOD counselor’s certification or licensure or status as a registrant or an intern shall be revoked by the department upon receipt of the notice of withdrawal of approval and the counselor shall have no further recourse against the department. The Board of Parole Hearings shall set the procedure for review of the withdrawal of approval. If approval is reinstated, the department shall reinstate the AOD counselor if he or she is otherwise eligible for reinstatement under this part and complies with
all applicable requirements.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall also apply to a person convicted of a crime that the department, by regulation, determines is substantially related to the practice of alcohol and drug counseling.
(f) The department shall prohibit an independent practice, licensed facility, or certified program that serves minor children, or a facility that allows minor children of clients to reside in the facility, from employing, allowing in a licensed facility, or allowing contact with clients of a licensed facility by, an employee, prospective employee, or person who is not a client who meets any of the following criteria:
(1) The person has engaged in conduct that the department determines is inimical to the health, morals, welfare, or safety of an individual receiving services from the LAODC, the facility, or to the people of the State of California.
(2) The person has been denied an
exemption to work or to be present in a facility, when that person has been convicted of a crime to which Section 1522 applies.
(3) The person has engaged in other conduct that would constitute a basis for disciplining an LAODC.
(4) The person is permitted to receive a license under provisions of subdivision (e).
(g) The department shall, subject to subdivisions (b) and (c), revoke the certificate or license, or the recognition as a registrant or intern of any person convicted of any offense provided for in subdivision (d).
(h) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2013.
11976.50.
(a) Licenses or certifications issued under this part shall expire two years after the issue date.(b) To renew an unexpired license or certification, the counselor shall, on or before the expiration date of the license or certification, complete all of the following actions:
(1) Apply for a renewal on a form prescribed by the department.
(2) Pay a renewal fee, to be determined by the department.
(3) Complete at least 30 hours per year of continuing education, including at least three hours each year relating to ethics and the code of conduct. A minimum of 20 of these hours shall be provided by an approved provider with a CEU provider number. Up to 10 of these hours may include in-service education, presentation of related
training, or self-improvement development that focuses on personal and professional growth.
(4) Notify the department of either of the following:
(A) If he or she has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony that permits denial of a license, certification, or registration, pursuant to Section 11976.35, or which the department finds is substantially related to the practice of alcohol and other drug counseling.
(B) If any disciplinary action has been taken by a regulatory or licensing board, in this or any other state, subsequent to the licensee’s last renewal.
(c) To renew an expired license or certification within three years of its expiration, the counselor shall, as a condition precedent to renewal, do all of the following:
(1) Apply for renewal on a form prescribed by the department.
(2) Pay the renewal fees that would have been paid if
the license had not been delinquent.
(3) Pay all delinquency fees.
(4) Complete the applicable continuing education requirements.
(5) Notify the department in writing whether he or she has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony described in subdivision (a) of Section 11975.95, or if he or she has been subject to disciplinary action since the last renewal.
(d) The department shall adopt regulations to allow for the reinstatement of a license or certification that is not renewed within three years after its expiration.
11976.55.
A counselor shall display his or her license or certification or the approval from the department as a registrant or an intern, in a conspicuous place in the counselor’s primary place of business. The current renewal receipt shall be displayed near the license or certification or the approval from the department as a registrant or an intern.11976.60.
An LAODC who conducts a private practice under a fictitious business name shall not use a name that is false, misleading, or deceptive, and shall inform the client, prior to the commencement of treatment, of the name and license designation of the owner or owners of the practice.11976.70.
An LAODC, CAODC, or the recognition of a registrant or an intern shall be required to renew a license or certification, or recognition as a registrant or an intern that has been suspended. Renewal does not, while the license, certificate, or recognition as a registrant or an intern remains suspended, change the terms of the suspension and the counselor shall wait until the license, certificate, or recognition as a registrant or an intern is reinstated pursuant to this part before resuming the activities for which the license, certificate, or recognition as a registrant or an intern are required or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by which it was suspended.11976.80.
(a) An alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor may apply to the department to request that his or her license, certification, or his or her recognition as a registrant or intern be placed on inactive status. A person who holds an inactive license or certification or who holds an inactive recognition by the department as a registrant or an intern shall pay a fee of one-half of the active renewal fee and shall be exempt from continuing education requirements specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 11976.50, and all education, and hours of work experience required for annual registration, but shall otherwise be subject to this part and shall not engage in the practice of alcohol and other drug counseling in this state.(b) A counselor on inactive status who has not committed any acts or crimes
constituting grounds for denial may, upon request, have his or her license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or an intern, to practice AOD counseling placed on active status. A person requesting his or her license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or intern to be placed on active status at any time during a renewal cycle shall pay a pro rata portion of the renewal fees.
(c) A person requesting to move from inactive to active status whose license or certification will expire less than one year from the date of the request shall be required to complete the hours of continuing education for licensure or certificate renewal in proportion to those required for the entire active period for license or certification. A person requesting to move from inactive to active status whose license or certification will expire more than one year from the date of the request shall be required to complete all of the required hours of continuing education for license or
certificate renewal.
11976.85.
A person licensed, certified, or recognized as a registrant or an intern under this part shall comply with both of the following:(a) Provide written notice to the CPTO and department within 30 days of any change of his or her residential or work address.
(b) Provide written notice to the department within 30 days of a name change giving both the old and the new names along with a copy of the legal document authorizing the name change, including, but not limited to, a court order or marriage license.
11976.90.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, an accusation filed pursuant to Section 11503 of the Government Code against a person licensed, certified, or recognized as a registrant or an intern pursuant to this part shall be filed within three years from the date the department discovers the alleged act or omission that is the basis for disciplinary action or within seven years from the date the alleged act or omission that is the basis for disciplinary action occurred, whichever occurs first.(b) An accusation filed against a person licensed, certified, or recognized as a registrant or an intern pursuant to this part alleging the procurement of a license, certification, or recognition as a registrant or an intern by fraud or misrepresentation is not subject to the limitations set forth in subdivision
(a).
(c) An accusation alleging sexual misconduct shall be filed within three years after the department discovers the act or omission alleged as the grounds for disciplinary action or within 10 years after the act or omission alleged as the grounds for disciplinary action occurred, whichever occurs first.
(d) If an alleged act or omission involves a minor, the seven-year limitation period provided for by subdivision (a) and the 10-year limitation period provided for by subdivision (c) shall be tolled until the minor reaches the age of majority.
(e) The limitation period provided by subdivision (a) shall be tolled during any period if material evidence necessary for prosecuting or determining whether a disciplinary action would be appropriate is unavailable to the department due to an ongoing criminal investigation.
(f) For purposes of this section, “discovers” means the latest of the occurrence of
any of the following with respect to each act or omission alleged as the basis for disciplinary action:
(1) The date the department received a complaint or report describing the act or omission.
(2) The date, subsequent to the original complaint or report, on which the department became aware of additional acts or omissions alleged as the basis for disciplinary action relating to the original complaint or report against the individual.
(3) The date the department receives from the complainant a written release of information pertaining to the complainant’s diagnosis and treatment.
11976.95.
(a) Nothing in this part shall apply to an alcohol and other drrug (AOD) counselor who is in this state for either of the following reasons:(1) The person is an invited guest of a professional association or an educational institution, is in the state for the sole purpose of engaging in professional education through lectures, clinics, or demonstrations, and is, at the time of the consultation, lecture, or demonstration, licensed to practice alcohol and other drug counseling in the state or country in which he or she resides.
(b) AOD counselors in the state pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not open an office or appoint a place to meet clients or receive calls from clients within this state.
11976.97.
(a) Education and work experience gained outside of California may be accepted toward the licensure or certification requirements if it is substantially the equivalent of the requirements of this part.(b) The department shall issue a license or certification to a person who, at the time of application, meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Has held a valid active alcohol and other drug (AOD) counseling license or certification issued by a board of alcohol and other drug counseling examiners or corresponding authority of another state as long as the applicant has had substantially the equivalent education and experience as it required by this part.
(2) Passes a current applicable test.
(3) Pays the required fees.
(4) Passes the required background check.
(5) Is not subject to denial of licensure or certification under this part