A. A certified substance abuse counseling assistant shall be qualified to perform, under appropriate supervision or direction, the substance abuse treatment functions of orientation, implementation of substance abuse treatment plans, case management, substance abuse or dependence crisis intervention, record keeping, and consultation with other professionals. Certified substance abuse counseling assistants may participate in recovery group discussions, but shall not engage in counseling with either individuals or groups or engage in independent or autonomous practice.

B. Such certified substance abuse counseling assistant shall be supervised or directed either by a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, or by any other mental health professional licensed by the Department, or by a certified substance abuse counselor, or, in an exempt setting as described in § 54.1-3501, another person with substantially equivalent education, training, and experience, or such counseling assistant shall be in compliance with the supervision requirements of a licensed facility.

C. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for certification as a certified substance abuse counseling assistant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) received a high school diploma or its equivalent, (ii) completed a specified number of hours of didactic substance abuse education in a program or programs recognized or approved by the Board, and (iii) accumulated a specified number of hours of experience and completed a practicum or an internship involving substance abuse treatment, supervised either by a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, or by any other mental health professional licensed by the Department, or by a certified substance abuse counselor. The applicant shall also pass an examination, as required by the Board.

2001, c. 460.