Sec. 274a.

(1) The department shall do all of the following:

(a) Establish, maintain, and revise, as necessary, a uniform substance use disorder credentialing program for state department or agency use as required in this section. In complying with this subsection, the department may consult with other state departments and agencies that are required to comply with the program under this section.

(b) Ensure that the uniform credentialing program does all of the following:

(i) Creates uniformity in this state to streamline the provision of substance use disorder services by state departments and agencies and to enhance workforce development, training education, and service delivery.

(ii) Eliminates any hardship surrounding the functioning and operation of substance use disorder services provided by state departments and agencies to residents of this state.

(iii) Establishes a uniform credentialing requirement for individuals who provide substance use disorder services through a state department or agency.

(iv) Promotes policies that support adequate staffing and evidence-based skills or training to meet the needs of the residents of this state and the state departments and agencies that provide substance use disorder services.

(v) Complies with the national certification standards for substance use disorder counselors and prevention professionals.

(vi) Meets the needs of the populations served by each state department or agency that provides, either directly or through a contract, substance use disorder services to residents of this state.

(c) By 6 months after the effective date of this section and annually after that date, submit a report to the legislature that describes its activities under this section, including the establishment of and any revisions to the uniform credentialing program.

(2) A state department or agency that provides, either directly or through a contract, substance use disorder services to residents of this state shall comply with the uniform credentialing program. On and after the date the uniform credentialing program is certified by the director of the department as in full force and effect, the state department or agency subject to this subsection shall ensure that all of its forms, processes, and contracts it uses and that relate to its provision of substance use disorder services comply with the uniform credentialing program.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Substance use disorder services" means substance use disorder prevention services or substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation services.

(b) "Uniform credentialing program" or "program" means the uniform substance use disorder credentialing program established, maintained, and revised as required in subsection (1)(a).

History: Add. 2014, Act 249, Eff. Mar. 31, 2015