6 CCR 1008-3
STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE, REGULATORY ANALYSIS AND SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY Revision of the section on Counselor Certification of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division standards and regulations were final adoption following publication at the 6/7/96 Executive Director rule-making session, with an effective date of 8/1/96 (CSPR# 95-11-8-1). Statement of Basis and Purpose and specific statutory authority for these revisions were incorporated by reference into the rule. These materials are available for review by the public during normal working hours at the Office of External Affairs, Department of Human Services.
Revisions of the Counselor Certification regulations were final adoption following publication at the 5/7/99 State Board of Human Services rule-making session, with an effective date of 7/1/99 (CSPR# 99-2-3-1). Statement of Basis and Purpose and specific statutory authority for these revisions were incorporated by reference into the rule. These materials are available for review by the public during normal working hours at the Office of External Affairs, Department of Human Services. Revisions of the Addiction Counselor Certification rules were final adoption following publication at the 12/7/2001 State Board of Human Services rule-making session, with an effective date of 2/1/2002 (CSPR# 01-8-27-1). Statement of Basis and Purpose and specific statutory authority for these revisions were incorporated by reference into the rule. These materials are available for review by the public during normal working hours at the Office of Performance Improvement, Boards and Commissions Division, State Board Administration.
An entire re-write of the Addiction Counselor Certification and Licensure rules were adopted following publication at the 1/9/2004 State Board of Human Services rule-making session, with an effective date of 3/1/2004 (Rule-making* 03-10-22-1). Statement of Basis and Purpose and specific statutory authority for these revisions were incorporated by reference into the rule. These materials are available for review by the public during normal working hours at the Office of Performance Improvement, Boards and Commissions Division, State Board Administration.
01/09/2004
14.100 COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE STANDARDS FOR ADDICTION
COUNSELORS
14.110 CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
Certification and licensure are two of the credentialing methods required for counselors who provide services in alcohol and drug treatment programs, which are licensed by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD). The role of the proficient addiction counselor encompasses a spectrum of skills specific to treating the alcohol and other drug abuse client. Certified and licensed addiction counselors (CAC AND LAC) possess a body of knowledge, skills, training and work experience in the treatment of the alcohol or drug abuse clients that distinguishes the addiction counselor profession from other health care professions. Counselor certification consists of three levels. Counselor licensure offers a fourth level of credentialing for addiction professionals and is comparable to licensure of other mental health professionals. No counselor shall provide clinical services beyond his/her level of competence.
14.120 ADDICTION COUNSELING
Professional addiction counseling consists of the application of general counseling theories and treatment methods adopted specifically for alcohol and drug theory and research for the express purpose of treating alcohol and drug problems. Addiction counseling practice may include, but is not limited to:
A. Client Evaluation including Screening and Assessment B. Treatment Planning including Initial, Ongoing, Continuity of Care Planning, and Discharge Planning C. Crisis Intervention D. Individual, Group, Couple, and Family Counseling/Psychotherapy E. Client Education F. Advocacy G. Case Management H. Relapse Prevention I. Clinical Supervision J. Treatment Evaluation
14.130 OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Nothing in these guidelines shall be construed to prevent members of other professions licensed under the laws of this state from rendering services within the scope of practice, so long as they do not represent themselves to be Colorado Certified Addiction Counselors (CACs) or Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs).
14.140 LEVELS OF CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
Certified and licensed addiction counselors may be certified at one of the following four levels and be identified as:
A. “CAC I, Certified Assistant Addictions Counselor”, herein after referred to in these rules as a CAC I, is defined as an entry-level certification, and persons with this certification shall not conduct alcohol and drug individual and group counseling services independently. A CAC I may co-facilitate individual or group counseling services or assume other therapeutic co-facilitation duties with a CAC II, CAC III, OR LAC. A CAC I may write treatment chart notations when cosigned by a CAC II, CAC III, or LAC.
B. “CAC II, Certified Addictions Counselor”, herein after referred to in these rules as a CAC II, is defined as a counselor who may conduct alcohol and drug individual and group counseling services independently. A CAC II may perform the complete range of duties associated with alcohol and drug abuse treatment, with the exception of clinical supervision.
C. “CAC III, Certified Senior Addictions Counselor”, herein after referred to in these rules as a CAC III, has the authority to operate independently, may also assume clinical supervision duties and must have successfully completed the required clinical supervision training.
D. “LAC, Licensed Addiction Counselor”, herein after referred to in these rules as a LAC, has the authority to operate independently, may also assume clinical supervision duties and must have successfully completed the required clinical supervision training. An LAC can also supervise other licensed and unlicensed mental health professionals with the approval of the appropriate board regulated by the Department of Regulatory Agencies, Mental Health Section.
14.150 COUNSELOR AGE REQUIREMENT
No person shall be certified or licensed as a counselor unless s/he is 18 years of age or older on the date of application.
14.200 CERTIFICATION BY TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE
14.210 Work Experience
“Work experience” is defined as paid or unpaid, clinically supervised addiction specific counseling. Addiction counseling work experience herein after referred to as “work experience” does not have to be acquired in an ADAD licensed alcohol and drug treatment program setting, but it shall meet the criteria as stated in Sections 14.300, D, 14.400, D, and 14.500, D.
A. The State prescribed Work Verification Form (WVF) shall be used to document work experience, including student internships. This WVF is part of the certification application form and shall be completed by the applicant and the clinical supervisor or the program supervisor of the employing agency for all paid and unpaid work experience credit. The counselor and the clinical or program supervisor shall document specialized alcohol and drug treatment counseling experience via a formal work verification form (WVF) identifying total number of hours which are specific to addiction treatment functions, total number of hours of clinical supervision received, and credentials of the clinical supervisor. The applicant shall submit a job description if requested.
B. If the work experience occurred outside of a licensed alcohol and drug treatment program in Colorado, it shall meet all requirements in sections 14.300, D, 14.400, D, and 14.500, D. Clinical supervision at a minimum of three hours per month shall have been provided by a person who meets the requirements of Section 14.230, A.
C. If the work experience occurred out of state, it shall meet the requirements in Sections 14.300, D, 14.400, D, and 14.500, D, of these regulations. Clinical supervision shall have been provided according to supervision requirements equivalent to the State of Colorado.
D. Clinical Supervision means the clinical practice by which the treatment provided by the counselor is evaluated and either modified or approved by the supervisor. Clinical supervision shall be face to face in either a group or individual setting. Group clinical supervision is limited to no more than six individuals. Clinical supervision shall include a review of client charts and observation of clinical practice for CAC I's and II's. CAC I's shall be observed a minimum of once a quarter; CAC II's shall be observed a minimum of once every six months. Observation of clinical practice may include audio, video, two-way mirror, co-facilitation and/or direct observation.
14.220 Training
All applicants shall demonstrate proficiency in alcohol and drug treatment and counseling skills. This shall be accomplished by successfully completing ADAD approved coursework and/or ADAD approved examinations or through courses in applied human service disciplines obtained from accredited institutions of higher education equivalent to ADAD required training. Courses obtained from an accredited institution of higher education cannot be used to meet the addiction counseling skills or client record management training requirements. Training received outside accredited institutions of higher education must be pre-approved and meet all ADAD training and trainer requirements. The training shall include an examination, and shall be verified by certificate of completion. The certificate shall include the name of participant, title of training, date(s) of training, passing examination, number of training hours, and the signature of the trainer. Training workshops shall be at least 7 clock hours.
A. Training requirements shall be met through: 1) official transcripts of courses in applied human service disciplines obtained from accredited institutions of higher education equivalent to ADAD required training, 2) ADAD approved training, or 3) a combination of the two. A grade of C or above shall be required to receive training credit toward counselor certification. Course credit hours shall be calculated as follows: 15 clock hours for each semester hour, and 8.5 clock hours for each quarter hour.
B. Accredited means an institution of higher education, accredited by one of the following: the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Colleges and Schools; the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association Schools and Colleges; the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges; the Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges; or the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
14.230 Clinical Supervision of Work Experience
All full and part-time work experience shall be clinically supervised according to Section 14.210, D. If the work experience did not occur in a licensed setting, refer to the requirements in Section 14.210, B, of these rules. Clinical supervision shall be as follows:
A. If an applicant is currently a CAC I, or AN Uncertified Counseling staff member: Direct clinical supervision by a CAC III OR LAC at a minimum of three hours per month.
B. If an applicant is currently a CAC II: Minimum of two hours per month in clinical supervision. This clinical supervision shall be provided by a CAC III, LAC or other clinical professional who has demonstrated competence equivalent to a CAC III in alcohol and drug treatment, by education and experience:
1. At a minimum, documented Baccalaureate or Master's Degree with Major and Minor hours in addictions counseling and/or passing score on NAADAC NCAC II or MAC examination.
2. Documented minimum of 1000 hours addiction counseling experience supervised by Level III certified addictions counselors or licensed addictions counselors at a minimum frequency of 3 hours per month. Clinical professional includes but is not limited to a licensed physician, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, or marriage and family therapist, addiction counselor, psychiatric nurse.
C. If an applicant is currently a CAC III: Minimum of one hour per month in clinical consultation by another CAC III, LAC or clinical professional as defined in Section 14.230, B. Clinical consultation may include specialized consultation regarding technical and complicated aspects of clinical cases.
14.300 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A CAC I
All of the following requirements must be met prior to application for certification as a CAC I:
A. Verification that the applicant knows of no injunction entered against her/him;
B. Verification that the applicant knows of no malpractice judgment against her/him, knows of no C. Verification that the applicant knows of no complaint pending before, investigation being conducted by, D. Documentation of 1000 hours of clinically supervised work experience consisting of at least three of the following alcohol and drug treatment functions and their documentation:
1. Clinical Evaluation consisting of Intake, Screening and Differential Assessment.
2. Treatment Planning including Initial, Ongoing, and Discharge planning.
3. Co-facilitation Counseling of Individual, Group, Couples, or Families.
4. Case Management Services: Case Management Services means an array of services which include at a minimum, assessment of the needs of the client and the client's family, service planning, referral and linkage to other services, advocacy, monitoring, and crisis management.
5. Client and Family Education.
E. Documentation of clinical supervision at a minimum of 3 hours per month for full time work experience credit being sought, or pro- rated for part time work experience at a minimum of one (1) hour per month.
F. Documentation that the applicant has completed the required alcohol and drug training, including:
1. Within five years prior to receipt of a complete certification application packet, 21 clock hours ADAD approved Addiction Counseling skills class or passing the NAADAC NCAC It or MAC exam and ADAD approved clinical review of counseling skills videotape. Applicants who completed 35 hours of ADAD approved training in Addiction Counseling Skills prior to January 2004, but within 5 years of receipt of a complete application, are not required to take the 21 clock hour Addiction Counseling Skill course nor the 21 clock hour Principles of Addiction treatment course.
2. Within five years prior to receipt of a complete certification application packet, ADAD approved Client Record Management or passing the NAADAC NCAC II exam. Applicants who completed 21 clock hours of ADAD approved training in Client Record Management prior to January 2004, but within 5 years of receipt of a complete application, are not required to take the 14 clock hours Client Record Management course.
3. 21 clock hours of ADAD approved Principles of Addiction Treatment class.
4. 14 clock hours of ADAD approved training consisting of 7 hours of DORA approved jurisprudence workshop and 7 hours training on ethical issues in the alcohol and drug clinical setting and Federal Confidentiality Regulations - 42 CFR, Part 2 - Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records. Standards and Regulations for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors referencing federal confidentiality regulations 42 CFR, Part 2 do not include amendments to or editions of said regulations later than October 1, 1995. Copies of these regulations are available from: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, Colorado Department of Human Services, 4055 S. Lowell Blvd., Building KA, Denver, CO 80236; or, the material may be examined at any State Publication Depository Library.
5. Diversity in Treatment Populations-14 clock hours.
6. Infectious Diseases in the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Setting-14 clock hours.
14.400 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A CAC II
All of the following requirements must be met prior to application for certification as a CAC II:
A. Verification that the applicant knows of no injunction entered against her/him;
B. Verification that the applicant knows of no malpractice judgment against her/him, knows of no C. Verification that the applicant knows of no complaint pending before, investigation being conducted by, D. For those individuals without a clinical master's or clinical doctoral degree, documentation of 3000 total hours of clinically supervised work experience consisting of at least three of the following alcohol and drug treatment functions:
1. Clinical Evaluation consisting of Intake, Screening and Differential Assessment;
2. Treatment Planning including Initial, Ongoing, and Discharge planning;
3. Counseling of Individuals, Group, Couples, or Families;
4. Case Management: Case Management means an array of services which include at a minimum, assessment of the needs of the client and the client's family, service planning, referral and linkage to other services, advocacy, monitoring, and crisis management.
5. Client and Family Education, or, For those individuals holding a clinical master's degree or clinical doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education which includes a clinical internship, documentation of 2000 total hours of clinically supervised work experience unrelated to the clinical internship, consisting of at least three of the alcohol and drug treatment functions identified above. A clinical degree as used in this subsection is defined as a master's degree with any of the following designations: Agency Counseling, Community Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Human Psychology, Educational Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, and Behavioral Studies; or doctoral degree with any of the following designations: Agency Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Human Psychology, Educational Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, and Behavioral Studies; or master's or doctoral degree determined by Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) staff to be equivalent to an accredited program with a clinical emphasis.
E. Documentation of clinical supervision of a minimum of 3 hours per month for full time work experience credit being sought or pro-rated for part-time work experience at a minimum of 1 hour per month.
F. Documentation of completion of all CAC I training requirements plus completion of 105 hours of training including:
1. Differential Assessment and Treatment Planning - 14 clock hours.
2. Working with Resistant Clients or Motivational Interviewing - 14 clock hours for applications received before January 1, 2005. For applications received after January 1, 2005, 14 clock hours Motivational Interviewing.
3. Group Counseling - 21 clock hours.
4. Pharmacology I and II - 28 clock hours total.
5. As of January 1, 2005, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - 14 clock hours.
6. 28 clock hours of ADAD approved training related to clinical issues. As of January 1, 2005, 14 clock hours of ADAD approved training related to clinical issues.
14.500 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A CAC III
All of the following requirements must be met prior to application for certification as a CAC III:
A. Verification that the applicant knows of no injunction entered against her/him;
B. Verification that the applicant knows of no malpractice judgment against her/him, knows of no C. Verification that the applicant knows of no complaint pending before, investigation being conducted by, D. For those individuals without a clinical master's or clinical doctoral degree, documentation of 5000 total hours of clinically supervised work experience consisting of at least three of the following alcohol and drug treatment functions:
1. Clinical Evaluation consisting of Intake, Screening and Differential Assessment;
2. Treatment Planning including Initial, Ongoing, and Discharge planning;
3. Counseling of Individuals, Group, Couples, or Families 4. Case Management Services;
5. Client and Family Education;
6. Clinical Supervision; or, For those individuals holding a clinical master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education which includes a clinical internship, documentation of 4000 total hours of clinically supervised work experience unrelated to the clinical internship, consisting of at least three of the alcohol and drug treatment functions identified above; or, For those individuals holding a clinical doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education which includes a clinical internship, documentation of 3000 total hours of clinically supervised post doctoral work experience, consisting of at least three of the alcohol and drug treatment functions identified above. A clinical degree as used in this subsection is defined as a master's degree with any of the following designations: Agency Counseling, Community Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Human Psychology, Educational Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, and Behavioral Studies or doctoral degree with any of the following designations: Agency Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Human Psychology, Educational Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, and Behavioral Studies; or master's or doctoral degree determined by Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) staff to be equivalent to an accredited program with a clinical emphasis.
E. Documentation of clinical supervision of a minimum of 2 hours per month work experience credit being sought for those who already are certified as a CAC II. Documentation of clinical supervision of a minimum of 3 hours per month are required for work experience credit being sought for those who are uncertified or hold a CAC I at time of application.
F. Documentation of completion of all CAC I and II training requirements plus completion of 105 hours of training including:
1. Clinical Supervision-21 clock hours 2. Advanced Counseling Skills-21 clock hours 3. 63 clock hours of ADAD approved training related to clinical issues
14.600 REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED ADDICTION COUNSELORS
A person applying for licensure under Section 24-34-102(14), C.R.S., must meet the following requirements for licensure:
A. Hold a valid certificate (in good standing) of addiction counseling, Level III or meet all requirements of addiction counseling Level III (see Section 14.500 for specific requirements); and, B. Possess a Master's Degree or higher degree in the social sciences or an equivalent program from a regionally accredited institution (see Section 14.600, B, 2).
1. Degrees
2. Accredited Program The applicant obtained a Master's or Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited program either at the time s/he graduated from the program or within one calendar year after the date s/he was awarded her/his graduate degree.
C. Pass a national examination administered by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) or by the successor of that organization. The examination must have been taken after the Master's Degree (used for licensure) has been conferred. The examination required for licensed addiction counselor shall be the NAADAC/National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Masters Addiction Counselor examination.
D. Submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for an addiction counselor license, which shall include the following:
1. Applicable fee;
2. Completed Department of Regulatory Agencies application form;
3. Official college transcript(s) in a sealed envelope from the institution granting the degree;
4. Verification of passage of the required NAADAC or ICRC examination (copy of original notification letter is acceptable).
5. Signature on the DORA application which represents an agreement to abide by procedures described in Sections 12-43-212 and 12-43-222 through 227, C.R.S.
14.700 APPLICATION
14.710 Application for Initial Certification for CAC I, II, III, or LAC
An application for initial certification shall include the following:
A. Applicable fee B. Completed DORA application form C. Completed Work Verification Form(s) (WVF)
D. Completed Training Form(s)
E. Official documentation of passing the NAADAC NCAC II Examination (if applicable) F. Official college transcript(s) in a sealed envelope from degree granting institution (if applicable) G. Certificates of training 14.720 Application for Advancement to Higher Level of Certification shall include the following:
A. Applicable fee B. Completed DORA application form C. Completed Work Verification Form(s) (WVF)
D. Completed Training Form(s)
E. Official college transcript(s) in a sealed envelope from degree granting institution (if applicable) F. Certificates of training An advancement to a higher level of certification shall not change the biannual expiration date.
14.730 Application for Renewal of Certification
An application for renewal of certification shall include the applicable fee. For renewal, applicant will be sent computerized letter with instructions for submission of applicable fee and any status changes. If an applicant submits renewal information beyond thirty days of their expiration date, a late fee will be assessed.
14.740 Application for Reinstatement of Certification
An application for reinstatement is required if certification is not renewed within one year of the expiration date and shall include the following:
A. Applicable fee plus late fee B. Completed DORA application form C. Official documentation of passing the NAADAC NCAC II or MAC examination (taken and passed within the past 2 years) or proof of current valid national (NADACC or ICRC) or state alcohol and drug treatment certification.
D. In place of 14.740, C, applicants may provide certificates of training for the following courses taken and passed within the past 2 years:
1. Addiction Counseling Skills - 21 clock hours 2. Principles of Addiction Treatment - 21 clock hours 3. Client Record Management -14 clock hours
14.750 Application for Endorsement
An application for endorsement is available to those applicants providing proof of holding current, active, valid national certificate from either NAADAC or ICRC or other current active state alcohol and drug treatment certification and shall include:
A. Applicable fee.
B. Completed DORA application form.
C. Completed Work Verification Form(s) (VWF) which verifies clinically supervised addiction counseling work experience required by these rules for the level of certification desired.
D. DORA official certification verification form completed by the State certifying authority in which the applicant is currently certified, and must attest to current certification in good standing.
E. Verification of completion of DORA approved jurisprudence workshop. Required clock hours of clinical training for the level of certification desired to include the following:
14.800 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
14.810 A person certified or licensed under Section 24-34-102, C.R.S., of this article is in violation of this article if such person:
A. Refuses to consent to a chemical test or whenever results of such tests show blood or breath alcohol of 0.10 or more grams pursuant to Section 42-4-1301, C.R.S.;
B. Refuses to consent to a chemical test for substance abuse at the request of DORA for cause;
C. Is convicted of any felony or any substance abuse related offenses, including but not limited to:
1. First degree burglary of drugs, as defined in Section 18-4-202(3), C.R.S.
2. Any violations of the Colorado Controlled Substances Act, Section 12-2-301, C.R.S., et. seq.
3. Driving under the influence (DUI) or while ability impaired as set forth in Section 42-4-1301, C.R.S.
4. Boating Under the influence (BUI) as set forth in Section 33-13-108.1, C.R.S.
5. Flying Under the Influence (FUI) as set forth in Section 41-2-102.1, C.R.S.
D. Use of any substance in a manner dangerous to himself/herself, any other person, or the public, to an extent that such use impairs his/her ability to perform the work of a professional alcohol and drug abuse counselor with safety to the public;
E. Provision or approval of non-standard quality of care which has resulted in revocation or non-renewal of the alcohol and drug abuse license of the program where the counselor was/is employed;
F. Engages in any social behavior which does not meet the generally accepted standards of practice with a client during the period the client is in treatment or for up to one year after the period the client was in treatment.
G. Violates any prohibited activities as listed under Section 12-43-222, C.R.S., of the Colorado Mental Health Statute.
H. Practices addiction counseling while having relapsed or is not alcohol and drug free for a minimum of one year for persons for whom previous alcohol and/or drug use was problematic.
14.900 COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES, MENTAL HEALTH
SECTION Certified and licensed addiction counselors must comply with Sections 12-43-212 and 12-43-222 through 227, C.R.S., which cover denial of certification, reinstatement of certification, appeal of initial decisions, reconsideration, procedures of investigation and disposition of complaints, disciplinary proceedings, summary suspension, appeal of initial decision, reopening decisions and reconsideration.