(A) An applicant for licensure as an addiction counselor before October 1, 2018 must:

(1)(a) complete a human services field program of study and field experiences from an accredited educational institution, culminating in a master's degree, and hold a current certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor II (CACII) or Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) through the South Carolina Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, a current certification as a Masters Addiction Counselor (MAC) or National Certified Addiction Counselor II (NCACII) through the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, or a current certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) or Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium; and

(b) demonstrate at least two years full-time or four thousand hours of experience within the last five years working primarily with the substance use-disordered population, which may be experience in direct service providing or in a supervisory/consulting environment;

(2)(a) be currently licensed in this State as a Professional Counselor, Professional Counselor Supervisor, or Marriage and Family Therapist; and

(b) demonstrate at least two years full-time or four thousand hours of experience within the last five years working primarily with the substance use-disordered population, which may be experience in direct service providing or in a supervisory/consulting environment; or

(3)(a) complete a human services field program of study and field experiences from an accredited educational institution, culminating in a bachelor's degree, hold a current certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor II (CACII) through the South Carolina Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, a current certification as a National Certified Addiction Counselor II (NCACII) through the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, or a current Certification as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium; and

(b) demonstrate at least five years full-time or ten thousand hours of experience within the last eight years working primarily with the substance use-disordered population, which may be experience in direct service providing or in a supervisory/consulting environment.

(B) An applicant for licensure as an addiction counselor after October 1, 2018, must meet the standards provided in Section 40-75-220.

HISTORY: 2018 Act No. 249 (H.4601), Section 1, eff May 18, 2018.