A. A licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner shall be qualified to (i) perform on an independent basis the substance abuse treatment functions of screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, treatment, case management, substance abuse or dependence crisis intervention, client education, referral activities, recordkeeping, and consultation with other professionals; (ii) exercise independent professional judgment, based on observations and objective assessments of a client's behavior, to evaluate current functioning, to diagnose and select appropriate remedial treatment for identified problems, and to make appropriate referrals; and (iii) supervise, direct and instruct others who provide substance abuse treatment.

B. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for a license as a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) completed a specified number of hours of graduate studies, including a specified number of didactic substance abuse education courses at, and has received a master's degree in substance abuse or a substantially equivalent master's degree from, an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board; and (ii) completed a specified number of hours of experience involving the practice of substance abuse treatment supervised by a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, or by any other mental health professional licensed by the Department, such number of hours being greater than the number of hours required of a certified substance abuse counseling assistant. The applicant shall also pass an examination, as required by the Board.

1997, c. 901; 2001, c. 460.