(a) “Automatic occupational licensure” means the granting of occupational licensure to an applicant who establishes residency in this state without the individual’s having met occupational licensure requirements provided:

1. (1) Under Title 17 of the Arkansas Code; or
2. (2) By this part.

(b) Automatic Occupational Licensure for Out-of-State Licensure Act, Arkansas Code § 17-7-101 et seq.

1. (1) An applicant shall be eligible for automatic occupational licensure if:

   1. (A) The applicant is either:

(i) In good standing for at least (1) year for a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or a licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor license with similar scope of practice issued by another state, territory, or district of the United States; or

1. (ii) Has worked for at least three (3) years in the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor occupation in another state, territory, or district of the United States that does not use a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or a licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor licensure to regulate the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor occupation for which the applicant is applying;

   1. (B) The applicant does not have a disqualifying criminal offense under Arkansas Code § 17-3-102 or under any additional state law relating to the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor licensure;
   2. (C) The applicant does not have a complaint, allegation, or investigation pending in his or her occupational activity in this state or in the state of the applicant’s previous residency where the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor licensure was granted; and
   3. (D) The applicant passes an examination specific to relevant state laws that regulate the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor occupation.

2. (2) The Department of Health may waive the requirement for the applicant to pass an examination specific to relevant state laws that regulate the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor occupation if the department finds that:

   1. (A) The combination of the applicant’s education, training, and experience is a sufficient substitute for the state law examination requirement; and
   2. (B) A waiver by the department will not harm public health, safety, or welfare.

3. (3) Upon the applicant being granted automatic occupational licensure, the applicant shall:

   1. (A) Meet all other licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor licensure requirements; and
   2. (B) Meet all renewal requirements of the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or licensed associate alcohol and drug abuse counselor licensure, including without limitation continuing education hours.