1. (a) Each client's treatment shall be based on a treatment plan developed in accordance with §353.308 of this chapter.
2. (b) Group counseling sessions must be limited to a maximum of 16 clients. This limit does not apply to multifamily educational groups, seminars, outside speakers, or other events designed for a large audience.
3. (c) Group education and life skills training sessions must be limited to a maximum of 35 clients. This limit does not apply to multifamily educational groups, seminars, outside speakers, or other events designed for a large audience.
4. (d) Substance use disorder education and life skills training must follow a written curriculum. All educational sessions must include the opportunity for client participation and discussion of the material presented.
5. (e) The treatment program must provide education about the health risks related to the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products.
6. (f) The treatment program must include education about tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections.

7. (g) The treatment program must provide information on accessing screening for tuberculosis and testing for HIV antibody, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections.

   1. (1) HIV antibody testing must be carried out by an entity approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
   2. (2) If a client tests positive, the treatment program must refer the client to an appropriate health care provider.
8. (h) Individuals responsible for planning, directing, or supervising treatment programs must be QCCs. The clinical program director must have at least two years of post-licensure experience providing substance use disorder treatment.
9. (i) Substance use disorder counseling may be provided only by individuals who meet the definition of a provider in this chapter.
10. (j) Supplemental support may be provided only by individuals who have the appropriate specialized education and expertise to provide that particular supplemental support.
11. (k) Counselor interns must be under the direct supervision of a QCC as required by Texas Administrative Code provisions related to QCC's and counselor interns.

Source Note:The provisions of this §353.309 adopted to be effective October 1, 2021, 46 TexReg 6408.