TITLE XXX
OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS

Chapter 330-C
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE PROFESSIONALS

Section 330-C:1

    330-C:1 Purpose. – In New Hampshire, alcohol and drug use counselors have been the primary providers of addiction services. The purpose of this chapter is to protect and benefit the public by setting standards of qualifications, education, training, and experience for those who seek to obtain a certificate as a certified recovery support worker or a license as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor or a master licensed alcohol and drug counselor and to promote competency in alcohol and other drug use prevention, intervention, and treatment services and in co-occurring disorder treatment services.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:1, eff. Sept. 4, 2010.

Section 330-C:2

    330-C:2 Definitions. –
I. "Advertise" means, but is not limited to, the attempt by a visual, oral, or written publication, dissemination, solicitation, or circulation to induce any person to do business with a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, a master licensed alcohol and drug counselor or a certified recovery support worker.
II. "Alcohol and drug use" means the use of alcohol or other drugs, or both, to the extent or frequency that it impairs or endangers one's health, social or economic function, or the health and welfare of others, and can be used interchangeably with "substance use."
III. "Board" means the board of licensing for alcohol and other drug use professionals.
IV. "Certified recovery support worker," orCRSW, means an individual certified by the board to provide recovery support to persons with substance use disorders, who meets the qualifications in this chapter.
V. "Clergy" means any minister, priest, rabbi, Christian Science practitioner, or any other similar religious counselor.
VI. "Clinical supervision" means an ongoing, regularly occurring process of examination, critique, and improvement of a counselor's skills, directed by the counselor's designated clinical supervisor, and is typically one-to-one or small group in structure, and utilizes the methods of intensive case review and discussion, and direct and indirect observation of clinical practice.
VII. [Repealed.]
VIII. "Continuing education" means research and training programs, college and university courses, in-service training programs, or seminars and conferences designed to maintain and enhance the skills of counselors licensed under this chapter and which are recognized by the board.
IX. "Continuum of care network" means public and private substance use care agencies such as detoxification centers, emergency rooms, hospitals, treatment centers, outpatient and day treatment clinics, and community residences for individuals with substance use disorder.
X. "Co-occurring disorders" means a diagnosis that includes both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder.
XI. "Core functions and practice dimensions of addiction counseling" means the following 12 activities an alcohol and drug counselor performs in the role of counselor: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling (individual, group, and significant others), case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and record keeping, and consultation with other professionals in regard to client treatment and services.
XII. "Facility" means an alcohol and other drug use prevention, intervention, recovery, or treatment agency which is publicly or privately owned, for-profit or not-for-profit, and which is licensed, certified, or otherwise overseen or approved by the state, or is under contract to a state agency.
XIII. "Licensed alcohol and drug counselor," orLADC, means an individual licensed by the board to practice substance use counseling who meets the qualifications set forth in this chapter.
XIV. "Licensed clinical supervisor," orLCS, means an individual licensed by the board to practice and supervise substance use counseling, who meets the qualifications set forth in this chapter.
XV. "Master licensed alcohol and drug counselor," or MLADC, means an individual licensed by the board to practice substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorder counseling who meets the qualifications set forth in this chapter.
XVI. "Mental health disorder" or "mental illness" means any mental disorder, including a disorder of thought, mood, or behavior that causes distress and results in a reduced ability to function psychologically, socially, occupationally, or interpersonally, as set forth in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
XVII. "Peer collaboration" means ongoing regularly occurring clinical consultation with, or small group meetings among, MLADCs, LADCs or licensees of the board of nursing, the board of mental health practice, or the board of medicine, with expertise in substance use, mental health and co-occurring disorder counseling, at which clinical issues and/or cases are discussed.
XVIII. "Practice of substance use counseling" means the rendering or offering to render professional service for any documented fee or other consideration to individuals, families, or groups. Those professional services include the application of the specific knowledge, skills, counseling theory, and application of techniques to assess, diagnose, define goals, and develop a treatment plan of action aimed toward prevention, education, or treatment in the recovery process of substance use disorders within the continuum of care network. The practice further includes, but is not limited to, networking and making referrals to medical, social services, mental health services, psychiatric, or legal resources when so indicated.
XIX. "Substance use disorder" means a disorder related to the taking of a drug, including alcohol to the extent or frequency that it causes distress and results in a reduced ability to function psychologically, socially, occupationally, or interpersonally, as set forth in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
XX. "Supervised practical training" means experiential activities monitored by one or more clinical supervisors who provide timely feedback to assist the counselor in the learning process, and which are designed to provide training of specific knowledge and skills necessary to competently perform the tasks inherent in the performance domains of substance use counseling. The supervision shall be at a location mutually convenient to both the supervisor and the candidate for licensure.
XXI. "Work experience" means paid or voluntary experience under clinical supervision with a primary focus on utilizing alcohol and other drug use treatment or intervention theories, techniques, or methodologies.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:2-7, 25, eff. Sept. 4, 2010. 2019, 207:3, eff. Sept. 10, 2019. 2023, 203:1-6, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

Section 330-C:3

    330-C:3 Board Established. –
I. There is established a board of licensing for alcohol and other drug use professionals. The board shall comprise 7 members to be appointed by the governor with the consent of the council. The members of the board shall be citizens of the United States and shall include 4 master licensed alcohol and drug counselors, one licensed alcohol and drug counselor, one certified recovery support worker, and one member of the general public.
II. Each MLADC member of the board shall be a resident of this state, licensed in good standing under the provisions of this chapter, and currently engaged in the practice of the profession, and shall have no fewer than 5 years of experience as a MLADC, at least 3 of which shall have immediately preceded appointment.
III. The LADC member shall be a resident of this state, licensed in good standing under the provisions of this chapter, and currently engaged in the practice of the profession, and shall have no fewer than 5 years of experience as a LADC, at least 3 of which shall have immediately preceded appointment.
IV. The CRSW member shall be a resident of this state, certified in good standing under the provisions of this chapter, and currently engaged in the practice of the profession, and shall have no fewer than 3 years of experience as a CRSW, at least 2 of which shall have immediately preceded appointment.
V. The public member shall be a resident of this state for at least one year who has not, and has never been, licensed or certified under the provisions of this chapter or the spouse of a licensee or certificate holder under this chapter. The public member shall not have, and shall never have had, a material financial interest in either the provision of alcohol and other drug use professional services or an activity directly related to the provisions of such services, including the representation of the board or its predecessor or the profession for a fee at any time during the 5 years preceding the date of appointment.
VI. No more than one board member shall be associated with, employed by, or in a contractual relationship with a particular agency, corporation, or other enterprise or subsidiary at one time.
VII. No board member shall participate in clinical supervision or any other professional relationship with another board member in which one board member has a subordinate role to the other. In addition, no 2 board members shall be family members. For the purposes of this paragraph, persons are "family members" if they are related, live in the same domicile, and share a common economic interest in the expenses of daily living and shall include, but not be limited to, a spouse, child, parents, or parties that have entered into a civil union.
VIII. No board member shall participate in any matter before the board in which the member has a pecuniary or personal interest or other conflict of interest.
IX. The board shall elect a chairperson annually from among its membership. A majority of the members of the board who have been approved by the governor and council shall constitute a quorum.
X. The board shall hold no fewer than 6 meetings per year. Board meetings shall be open to the public. In accordance with RSA 91-A:3, the board may conduct part of a meeting in nonpublic session.
XI. [Repealed.]
XII. The term of office shall be 3 years. Any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall fill the unexpired term of office. Upon expiration of the term of office, a member shall continue to serve until a successor has been appointed and qualified. No person shall be appointed for more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms.
XIII. The governor may remove any member from the board for neglect of any duty under RSA 330-C:5 or for incompetence, or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct. Any person may file a complaint against a board member or board members with the executive director of the office of professional licensure and certification. Upon receipt of a complaint, the executive director shall conduct an investigation and take any appropriate action and report his or her findings to the complainant. The provisions of RSA 4:1 controlling the removal of public officials from office shall be followed in dismissing board members.
XIV. In accordance with RSA 20-B:1, the chairman shall ensure that every new member of the board receives orientation information which may include the business procedures of the board, the mailing address and phone number of the office, a list of the members and staff, the customary meeting schedule, and any other pertinent information.
XV. The board shall designate one of its members who will serve as a liaison with the board of mental health practice to collaborate on issues of mutual interest.
XVI. All members of the board and its agents or employees shall enjoy immunity from individual civil liability while acting within the scope of their duties as board members, agents, or employees, as long as they are not acting in a wanton or reckless manner.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2015, 276:101, eff. July 1, 2015. 2018, 364:5, eff. July 2, 2018. 2021, 197:7, 8, 15, I, eff. July 1, 2021.

Section 330-C:4

    330-C:4 Repealed by 2015, 276:108, XXX, eff. July 1, 2015. –

Section 330-C:5

    330-C:5 Powers and Duties of the Board. –
The board shall:
I. Examine applicants for licensure, license, and renew licenses of duly qualified individuals, and issue and renew certifications for individuals duly qualified to be recovery support workers.
II. Have the authority to establish advisory committees in the areas identified in RSA 330-C:6.
III. Gather and report to the public statistical information regarding, but not limited to, the education and licensure of alcohol and other drug use professionals.
IV. [Repealed.]
V. [Repealed.]
VI. Determine and enforce appropriate disciplinary action against licensees and certificate holders found guilty of violating this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter.
VII. Approve or deny or withdraw approval of providers of continuing education programs and individual continuing education programs.
VIII. Maintain records of proceedings as required by the laws of New Hampshire and as set forth by the retention policy established by the office of professional licensure and certification.
IX. [Repealed.]
X. Establish and collect fees required in this chapter.
XI. [Repealed.]
XII. Select nationally recognized examinations that meet the requirements of this chapter.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:8. 2015, 276:108, XXXI, XXXII, eff. July 1, 2015. 2021, 197:9, eff. July 1, 2021. 2023, 212:7, I, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

Section 330-C:6

    330-C:6 Advisory Committees. –
I. The board shall have the authority to create advisory committees. Each committee shall be composed of at least 3 but not more than 5 persons licensed by the board. Advisory committee members shall be appointed by the board and shall serve at the pleasure of the board for no more than 3 consecutive 2-year terms.
II. The advisory committees may be assigned the following duties:
(a) Application advisory committee, if established, shall review applications for licensure, reinstatement, and certification and make recommendations to the board concerning such applications;
(b) Testing and examination advisory committee, if established, shall carry out the testing requirements of this chapter and review and evaluate the appropriate standards to be used for selecting examinations;
(c) Continuing education and collaboration advisory committee, if established, shall advise the board on continuing education requirements and procedures to be adopted for documenting peer collaboration hours.
III. Members of any advisory committee may serve as investigators, upon the request of the board. No committee member may act as an investigator without completing appropriate training provided by the department of justice.
IV. The board may appoint additional committees to advise the board on issues relevant to this chapter.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008.

Section 330-C:7

    330-C:7 Records. – A true record of all of the board's official acts shall be made and preserved by the board through the office of professional licensure and certification in accordance with the retention policy established by the office. The records shall be public and shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times, except for records compiled in connection with disciplinary investigations and records otherwise exempt from disclosure under RSA 91-A or other applicable statutes.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008. 2021, 197:10, eff. July 1, 2021.

Section 330-C:8

    330-C:8 Fees; Charges. –
I. The board shall charge licensed alcohol and drug counselors, licensed clinical supervisors, and certified recovery support workers a fee for the issuance of an initial license or certificate, and a fee for the renewal of a license or certificate under this chapter. All licenses shall be renewed biennially on or before June 30 upon payment of the license renewal fee. In addition the board shall establish by rule fees for license and certificate applications, late renewal, and reinstatement of all licenses and certifications authorized by this chapter.
II. The board may provide the following services and make administrative charges for:
(a) The administration of examinations required by this chapter.
(b) The transcription and copying of records.
(c) The actual costs of a criminal conviction record check required pursuant to RSA 330-C:20.
(d) The sale of a list of licensees and certification holders who have given their written authorization to have their names included on such list. Such list shall be updated at least monthly.
(e) The approval of continuing education programs and program providers.
(f) The verification of license status or educational credentials.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:9. 2014, 167:4. 2015, 229:17. 2016, 248:2, eff. June 10, 2016. 2022, 314:2, eff. July 1, 2022.

Section 330-C:9

    330-C:9 Rulemaking Authority. –
The board shall adopt rules, in accordance with RSA 541-A, relative to the following:
I. Eligibility requirements for the issuance of all initial and renewal licenses issued by the board, including without limitation:
(a) The eligibility requirements for the issuance of LADC licenses to applicants holding a currently valid license or other authorization to practice substance use counseling in another jurisdiction;
(b) The eligibility requirements for the issuance of MLADC licenses to applicants holding a currently valid license or other authorization to practice substance use counseling and co-occurring disorder counseling in another jurisdiction;
(c) The eligibility requirements for the issuance of such licenses to applicants holding a current license issued by the board of nursing or the board of medicine; and
(d) The eligibility requirements for the issuance of a MLADC license under RSA 330-C:16.
II. Eligibility requirements for the reinstatement of licenses after lapse and after disciplinary action.
III. Eligibility requirements, training requirements, and other criteria for the issuance of certification, renewal of certification, and reinstatement of certification for certified recovery support workers and certified recovery support worker supervisors.
IV. The process standards for approval of education programs for the continuing education requirements of this chapter and providers of such programs, and the process for approval of providers engaged in clinical supervision.
V. The process standards for approval of individuals engaged in clinical supervision.
V-a. The requirements for clinical supervision and the documentation of clinical supervision hours.
VI. The administration of examinations authorized by this chapter, and, if rules on the topic are determined by the board to be necessary, the manner in which information regarding the contents of any licensing examinations may be disclosed, solicited, or compiled.
VII. Ethical standards for the practice of substance use counseling and co-occurring disorder counseling and clinical supervision that are generally in keeping with standards established by NAADAC: The Association for Addiction Professionals, or its successor organization.
VIII. Continuing education requirements for license renewal and continuing education requirements for renewal of certification.
IX. [Repealed.]
X. The determination of disciplinary sanctions authorized by this chapter, including the assessment of administrative fines.
XI. The examinations approved by the board.
XII. If rules on the topic are determined by the board to be necessary, testing procedures to be used by the board.
XIII. The requirements for peer collaboration and the documentation of peer collaboration hours, and the requirements for participation as a peer collaborator.
XIV. Standards for the waiver of a felony conviction by the board under 330-C:27, III(f), and for determinations of whether an applicant has made sufficient restitution or been rehabilitated under RSA 330-C:15, I(e).
XV. If rules on the topic are determined by the board to be necessary, determinations of equivalent academic fields for initial MLADC licensure or initial LADC licensure.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:10. 2014, 167:5, eff. July 1, 2014. 2018, 364:10, eff. Sept. 30, 2018. 2021, 197:11, eff. July 1, 2021. 2023, 212:7, II, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

Section 330-C:9-a

    330-C:9-a Completion of Survey; Rulemaking. – The board shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, requiring, as part of the license renewal process, completion by licensees of a survey or opt-out form provided by the office of rural health, department of health and human services, for the purpose of collecting data regarding the New Hampshire primary care workforce, pursuant to the commission established in RSA 126-T. Any rules adopted under this section shall provide the licensee with written notice of his or her opportunity to opt-out from participation in the survey.

Source. 2017, 131:11, eff. June 16, 2017. 2019, 254:13, eff. July 1, 2019.

Section 330-C:10

    330-C:10 Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Scope of Practice. –
I. The scope of practice of the MLADC is the screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment of substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorders. The practice of alcohol and drug counseling and co-occurring disorder counseling includes the following performance areas which encompass the 12 core functions and practice dimensions of addiction counseling:
(a) The performance of clinical evaluations including the screening, assessment, and diagnosis of substance use disorders, mental health disorders and co-occurring disorders, and the performance of diagnosis and differential diagnosis. This includes severity assessment and assessment of dangerousness to self or others;
(b) The performance of treatment planning, case management, consultation, education, documentation, and client advocacy;
(c) The performance of counseling including:
(1) Individual, group, family, and significant other counseling;
(2) Crisis prevention and intervention to include enlisting the support of trained personnel to manage risk of harm to self or others;
(3) Co-occurring disorder counseling with the use of integrated models of assessment, intervention, and counseling techniques with and without the context or treatment of a substance use disorder;
(d) Adherence to professional and ethical standards as determined by the board.
II. A MLADC may engage in independent practice within the scope of practice in this section only with clinical supervision or peer collaboration.
III. A MLADC shall provide services only within the boundaries of his or her competence, based upon education, training, clinically supervised work experience, consultation, study, or professional experience.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:11, eff. Sept. 4, 2010. 2023, 203:7, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

Section 330-C:11

    330-C:11 Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Scope of Practice. –
I. The scope of practice of the LADC is the screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment of substance use disorders and the screening and referral of mental health disorders under clinical supervision as defined in this chapter. The scope does not include the treatment of co-occurring disorders, unless the LADC is in an academic internship as part of a master's program in a mental health field or employed as a LADC and working toward mental health licensure under RSA 330-A, RSA 329, or RSA 326-B. The practice of alcohol and drug counseling includes the following performance areas which encompass the 12 core functions and practice dimensions of addiction counseling:
(a) The performance of clinical evaluation including the screening, assessment, and diagnosis of alcohol and other drug use disorders, the assessment and identification of symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders and differential diagnosis indicators and the development of preliminary mental health disorder diagnoses for further assessment and confirmation by an appropriate professional. This includes severity assessment and assessment of dangerousness to self or others;
(b) The performance of treatment planning; referrals including co-occurring mental health and medical conditions; case management and service coordination including implementation of treatment plans, consultation, coordination of care with mental health and other community providers, ongoing assessment of progress and needs, and client advocacy; education; and documentation;
(c) The performance of counseling, including:
(1) Individual, group, family, and significant other counseling; and
(2) Crisis prevention and intervention to include enlisting the support of trained personnel to manage risk of harm to self or others;
(d) Adherence to professional and ethical responsibilities as determined by the board.
II. An LADC may engage in practice only under clinical supervision of an MLADC, LCS, LADC, psychiatric APRN, or licensed mental health provider approved by the board.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2009, 54:4, eff. July 21, 2009.

Section 330-C:12

    330-C:12 Licensed Clinical Supervisor; Scope of Practice. –
I. The scope of practice of a licensed clinical supervisor is based on knowledge in the core functions and performance domains to supervise alcohol and drug counselors. This includes administrative, evaluative, clinical, and supportive oversight of the practice of alcohol and drug counselors licensed under this chapter and persons seeking licensure.
II. The licensed clinical supervisor shall:
(a) Exercise responsibility over alcohol and drug counselors concerning all activities, including but not limited to, alcohol and drug counselor development, skill assessment and performance evaluation, staff management and administration, and professional responsibility.
(b) Not permit a supervisee to engage in any practice that the supervisee is not competent to perform.
(c) Be legally and ethically responsible for the supervised activities of the counselors he or she supervises.
(d) Be available or make appropriate provision for emergency consultation and intervention.
(e) Interrupt or stop the supervisee from practicing in given cases, or recommend to the supervisee's employer that the employer interrupt or stop the supervisee from practicing in given cases, and to terminate the supervised relationship, if necessary.
(f) Provide supervision at locations mutually convenient to both the supervisor and the supervisee.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008. 2019, 207:4, eff. Sept. 10, 2019.

Section 330-C:13

    330-C:13 Certified Recovery Support Worker; Scope of Practice. –
The scope of practice of a certified recovery support worker includes:
I. The provision of basic screening of persons with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders to determine whether referral for further assessment and formal diagnosis is needed and the making of appropriate referrals.
II. The provision of monitoring of clients' health and safety including basic recognition of signs and symptoms of addiction, intoxication, and withdrawal, and the implementation of structured interventions to ensure the immediate safety of clients demonstrating such symptoms.
III. The provision of recovery support including practical support, mentoring, and education about addiction, community peer support, role of medication and co-occurring disorders in addiction.
IV. Adherence to the ethical standards of the substance use treatment profession as determined by the board.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008.

Section 330-C:14

    330-C:14 Title; Display of License or Certification. –
I. Only persons licensed under this chapter may use the title "master licensed alcohol and drug counselor" and the abbreviation "MLADC," the title "licensed alcohol and drug counselor" and the abbreviation "LADC," or the title "licensed clinical supervisor" and the abbreviation "LCS," provided that the title and abbreviation correspond to the license held pursuant to this chapter.
II. Only persons certified under this chapter may use the title "certified recovery support worker" and the abbreviation "CRSW."
III. Any person who has been issued a license under this chapter shall conspicuously display such license in the principal place of business for which the license is issued.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:12, eff. Sept. 4, 2010.

Section 330-C:14-a

    330-C:14-a Telemedicine. – Persons licensed by the board shall be permitted to provide services through the use of telemedicine. "Telemedicine" means the use of audio, video, or other electronic media for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

Source. 2020, 27:27, eff. July 21, 2020.

Section 330-C:15

    330-C:15 Licensure and Certification; Applicants. –
I. All applicants for licensure and certification shall:
(a) Submit a completed application and pay fees established by the office of professional licensure and certification;
(b) Have the ability to read and write in the English language;
(c) Report any pending criminal charges, criminal convictions, plea agreements in lieu of convictions, or complaints made to or dispositions made by licensing or certification boards;
(d) Submit a complete set of fingerprints and a criminal history record release form pursuant to RSA 330-C:20;
(e) Have committed none of the following, unless the board finds that the applicant has made sufficient restitution or been rehabilitated:
(1) Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license, certification, or other authorization to practice substance use counseling or treatment in this or another state or territory of the United States;
(2) Sexual relations with, solicitation of sexual relations with, or sexual abuse of, a client or past client;
(3) Failure to remain free from the use of a controlled substance or alcohol to the extent that use impairs the ability to conduct with safety to the public the practices authorized by this chapter;
(4) Conviction of a felony not waived by the board;
(5) An act or omission causing another state or territory of the United States to revoke or suspend a license, certification, or other authorization to practice substance use counseling or treatment or to discipline the person authorized to practice by placing him or her on probation;
(6) Failure to maintain confidentiality as described in RSA 330-C:26; and
(7) False or misleading advertising;
(f) Have no mental disability that affects professional ability or judgment to the extent that it impairs the ability to conduct with safety to the public the practices authorized by this chapter, unless the board finds that measures have been taken to control the effects of the disability;
(g) Meet education requirements for new applicants and continuing education requirements for renewals and reinstatements, as established by the board; and
(h) Meet other criteria as established by the board.
II. The board shall make no final decision concerning the qualifications of a new or reinstatement applicant until it has received the results of all required examinations, criminal history record checks, and all third-party certifications required to be submitted with the application, and the time periods specified by RSA 541-A:29 shall be calculated from the date the last of the required documents is received by the board.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:13, eff. Sept. 4, 2010. 2018, 318:26, eff. Aug. 24, 2018. 2021, 197:12, eff. July 1, 2021.

Section 330-C:16

    330-C:16 Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Initial License. –
An applicant for initial MLADC licensure shall:
I. (a) Have graduated with a minimum of a 60-hour masters degree or advanced standing masters degree in clinical mental health, clinical psychology, substance use treatment, social work, or equivalent with clinical internship and course work in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use and mental health disorders, from an accredited college or university, 300 hours of alcohol and drug use education, which may be included in the coursework of the master's program, and 300 hours of supervised practical training.
(b) Have graduated with a masters degree of less than 60 hours in a discipline described in subparagraph (a) and has completed the necessary additional hours of masters level course work as determined by the board pursuant to RSA 330-C:9, I(d).
II. Pass testing procedures of a nationally recognized credentialing entity specified by the board. Such procedures shall be based on the core functions and practice dimensions of substance use and co-occurring disorders counseling.
III. Complete 3,000 hours of clinically supervised post-masters degree work experience in the treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders. Up to 1,500 hours of clinically supervised work experience accumulated by the applicant during his or her practice as an LADC may be counted toward the required 3,000 hours. A current license issued by the board of mental health practice under RSA 330-A may be substituted for up to 1,500 hours of the required 3,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience. Where substitution of the full 1,500 hours is denied by the board, the applicant shall be provided the rationale for the board's denial. The board shall not deny the substitution of hours solely based on the applicant's clinical supervisor holding a license issued by the board of mental health practice.
IV. Meet other criteria as established by the board.
V. If the applicant does not meet the requirements of paragraphs I-IV, the board shall not issue a MLADC license but shall, if the individual meets all requirements for licensure as a LADC, issue a LADC license to the individual.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:14, eff. Sept. 4, 2010. 2017, 194:1, eff. Aug. 29, 2017. 2019, 74:6, eff. Aug. 17, 2019. 2023, 203:8, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

Section 330-C:17

    330-C:17 Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Initial License. –
An applicant for initial LADC licensure shall:
I. (a) Have graduated with an associate's degree in substance use counseling, addiction studies, or equivalent program, obtained 300 hours of alcohol and drug use education within the degree-granting program or separately, completed 6,000 hours of supervised work experience, and completed 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately; or
(b) Have graduated with a bachelor's degree in a clinical mental health, social work, psychology, substance use counseling, addiction studies, human services discipline, or equivalent program from an accredited college or university, obtained 300 hours of alcohol and drug use education within the degree-granting program or separately, completed 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, and completed 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately.
II. Pass testing procedures of a nationally recognized credentialing entity specified by the board. Such procedures shall be based on the core functions and practice dimensions of addiction counseling.
III. Meet other criteria as established by the board.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:15, eff. Sept. 4, 2010. 2017, 194:2, eff. Aug. 29, 2017.

Section 330-C:18

    330-C:18 Licensed Clinical Supervisor; Initial License. –
An applicant for initial LCS licensure shall:
I. Hold a current license as a MLADC or LADC;
II. Have 10,000 hours of experience as an alcohol and drug counselor;
III. Have 4,000 hours of experience as a clinical supervisor supervising professionals providing alcohol and drug counseling, which hours may be accumulated by the applicant as part of the experience requirements in paragraph II;
IV. Have received 200 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision;
V. Have completed 30 hours of training in clinical supervision covering assessment, evaluation, counselor development, management, administration, and professional responsibility;
VI. Pass testing procedures of a nationally recognized credentialing entity specified by the board; and
VII. Meet other criteria as established by the board.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:16, eff. Sept. 4, 2010.

Section 330-C:19

    330-C:19 Certified Recovery Support Worker; Initial Certification. –
An applicant for initial certification as a CRSW shall:
I. Submit a completed application and fees established by the board;
II. Have the ability to read and write in the English language;
III. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
IV. Have completed training requirements established by the board; and
V. Meet other criteria as established by the board.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008.

Section 330-C:20

    330-C:20 Criminal Record Checks. –
I. Every applicant for initial licensure or certification or reinstatement shall submit to the board a criminal history record release form, as provided by the New Hampshire division of state police, which authorizes the release of his or her criminal history record, if any, to the board.
II. The applicant shall submit with the release form a complete set of fingerprints taken by a qualified law enforcement agency or an authorized employee of the department of safety. If the first set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern, a second set of fingerprints shall be necessary in order to complete the criminal history records check. If, after 2 attempts, a set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern, the board may, in lieu of the criminal history record check, accept police clearances from every city, town, or county where the person has lived during the past 5 years.
III. The board shall submit the criminal history record release form and fingerprint form to the division of state police which shall conduct a criminal history record check through its records and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon completion of the record check, the division of state police shall release copies of the criminal history record to the board.
IV. The board shall review the criminal history record information prior to making a decision and shall maintain the confidentiality of all criminal history records received pursuant to this section.
V. The applicant shall bear the cost of a criminal history record check.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008. 2018, 318:27, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.

Section 330-C:21

    330-C:21 Applicants From Other States. –
I. The board may license or issue a certification to any applicant who is licensed or certified in any other state, provided the other state's requirements are substantially equivalent to or more stringent than those of this state.
I-a. An applicant whose state licensure meets the requirements in paragraph I shall be deemed able to practice in this state not more than 60 days after the application is received by the board pending final approval or denial for other reason by the board.
II. The board may license or issue a certification to any applicant who is licensed or certified in any other state if the other state's requirements are not substantially equivalent to those of this state solely because the applicant has obtained a master's degree in a discipline described in RSA 330-C:16, I(a) which is less than a 60-hour degree. An individual licensed under this paragraph shall:
(a) Complete the necessary additional hours of course work in co-occurring disorders pursuant to standards established by the board within 5 years from the effective date of licensure or certification;
(b) Have completed 3,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience in the treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders. These hours may be completed after the applicant has been issued the master's degree. Up to 1,500 hours of clinically supervised work experience accumulated by the applicant during his or her practice as a LADC may be counted toward the required 3,000 hours. In addition, a current license issued by the board of mental health practice may be substituted for 1,500 hours of the required 3,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience;
(c) Conduct his or her practice as an MLADC in full compliance with RSA 330-C:10; and
(d) Notify the board in writing that he or she has completed the requirements in subparagraph (a).
III. If an individual licensed under paragraph II does not satisfy the requirements of subparagraph II(a) within 5 years of initial licensure or certification, the board shall not renew the individual's MLADC license but shall, if the individual meets all the requirements for licensure as a LADC, issue a LADC license to the individual.
IV. The board shall waive provisions of this chapter requiring supervised work experience and practical training and grant a license as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor or master licensed alcohol and drug counselor to any applicant who presents proof of active licensed practice, in good standing, in another jurisdiction of the United States for a period of 5 years or more.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:17. 2016, 248:1, eff. June 10, 2016. 2017, 194:3, eff. Aug. 29, 2017. 2018, 364:9, eff. Sept. 30, 2018. 2021, 197:13, eff. July 1, 2021.

Section 330-C:22

    330-C:22 Renewals. –
I. Licenses and certifications shall be renewed every 24 months after initial licensure or certification upon payment of a fee and presentation of satisfactory proof of completion of continuing education requirements pursuant to RSA 330-C:24.
II. Licensees and certification holders shall have a grace period of 30 days after expiration in which to renew retroactively if they otherwise are entitled to have their licenses or certifications renewed and pay to the board the renewal fee and any late fee set by the board under rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
III. A suspended license or certification shall be subject to expiration and may be renewed as provided in this chapter, but such renewal shall not entitle the person, while the license or certification remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to engage in the activity, or in any other conduct or activity in violation of the order under which the license or certification was suspended. If a suspended license or certification is reinstated after its expiration, the person, as a condition of reinstatement, shall pay a reinstatement fee that shall equal the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date immediately preceding the date of reinstatement, plus any late fee set by the board.
IV. A license or certification revoked on disciplinary grounds may not be renewed.
V. Upon the request of a licensee or certificate holder who is a member of the armed forces of the United States, a member of any reserve component of the armed forces, or a member of the national guard, the board is authorized to place the person's license or certification on inactive status whenever such person is called to active military duty. The board is authorized to return to active status any license or certification placed on inactive status at any time within the 2 years following the release from active military duty of the licensee or certificate holder, upon a written request accompanied by the payment of renewal fee if the license or certificate has expired, and accompanied by proof of completion of the current continuing education requirements.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:18, 19, eff. Sept. 4, 2010.

Section 330-C:23

    330-C:23 Reinstatement. –
I. An individual whose license or certification has lapsed by failure to renew under RSA 330-C:22 by the end of the 30-day grace period, may apply for reinstatement by meeting all requirements for renewal, or satisfying the following conditions:
(a) An individual who applies for reinstatement who does not meet the continuing education requirements shall demonstrate current alcohol and other drug use professional knowledge and skill, as defined in rules adopted by the board under RSA 541-A.
(b) For those persons applying for reinstatement following disciplinary action, compliance with all board requirements as well as any specific requirements set forth in the board's discipline order.
II. Application for reinstatement of a license or certification which has lapsed shall include payment of a reinstatement fee and be made, and granted or denied, in accordance with rules adopted by the board pursuant to RSA 541-A.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008.

Section 330-C:24

    330-C:24 Continuing Education. –
I. As a prerequisite to renewal of licensure or certification, a licensee or certificate holder shall present satisfactory evidence to the board of having met the continuing education requirements of this chapter.
II. The continuing education requirements for renewal shall be:
(a) For master licensed alcohol and drug counselors and licensed alcohol and drug counselors, 48 hours of approved continuing education in the 24 months subsequent to the date of licensure or re-licensure.
(b) For licensed clinical supervisors, 6 hours of training in clinical supervision which may be incorporated into the hours needed for LADC re-licensure in the 24 months subsequent to the date of licensure or re-licensure.
(c) For certified recovery support workers, 24 hours of approved continuing education in the 24 months subsequent to the date of certification or re-certification.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:20, eff. Sept. 4, 2010. 2023, 203:10, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

Section 330-C:25

    330-C:25 Duty to Warn of Violent Acts of Client; Civil Liability. –
I. Any person licensed or certified under this chapter has a duty to warn of, or to take reasonable precautions to provide protection from, a client's violent behavior when the client has communicated to such person a serious threat of physical violence against a clearly identified or reasonably identifiable victim or victims, or a serious threat of substantial damage to real property.
II. The duty may be discharged by, and no monetary liability or cause of action shall arise against, any person licensed or certified under this chapter if the person makes reasonable efforts to communicate the threat to the victim or victims, notifies the police department closest to the client's or potential victim's residence, or obtains civil commitment of the client to the state mental health system.
III. No monetary liability and no cause of action may arise concerning client privacy or confidentiality against any person licensed or certified under this chapter for information disclosed to third parties in an effort to discharge a duty under paragraph II.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008.

Section 330-C:26

    330-C:26 Privileged Communications Between Licensees and Certificate Holders and Their Clients. – A person licensed or certified under this chapter or an employee of such person, shall not disclose any confidential information that the licensee, certificate holder, or employee may have acquired while performing substance use counseling services for a patient unless in accordance with the federal regulation regarding the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records pursuant to 42 C.F.R. section 2.1 et seq.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008.

Section 330-C:27

    330-C:27 Disciplinary Action; Misconduct. –
I. [Repealed.]
II. [Repealed.]
III. Misconduct sufficient to support disciplinary proceedings under this section includes:
(a) Violating any provision of this chapter or any substantive rule adopted under this chapter or order issued by the board.
(b) Engaging in the practice of substance use counseling, co-occurring disorders counseling, or supervision in a manner harmful or dangerous to the client or public.
(c) Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license, certification, or other authorization to practice substance use counseling or co-occurring disorders counseling in this or another state or territory of the United States.
(d) Engaging in sexual relations, soliciting sexual relations, or committing an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct with a current client or with a person who was a client.
(e) Failing to remain free from the use of any controlled substance or any alcoholic beverage to the extent that the use impairs the ability of the licensee or certificate holder to conduct with safety to the public the practices authorized by this chapter.
(f) Conviction of a felony which has not been waived by the board.
(g) An act or omission causing another state or territory of the United States to revoke or suspend a license, certification, or other authorization to practice substance use counseling or co-occurring disorders counseling or to discipline the person authorized to practice by placing him or her on probation.
(h) Failing to maintain confidentiality pursuant to RSA 330-C:26.
(i) Engaging in false or misleading advertising.
(j) Having a mental disability which significantly impairs professional ability or judgment to the extent that it impairs the ability to conduct with safety to the public the practices authorized by this chapter, unless the board finds that measures have been taken to control the effects of the disability.
IV. [Repealed.]
V. [Repealed.]
VI. [Repealed.]

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:21, eff. Sept. 4, 2010. 2023, 212:7, III, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

Section 330-C:28

    330-C:28 Repealed by 2023, 212:7, IV, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. –

Section 330-C:29

    330-C:29 Repealed by 2023, 212:7, V, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. –

Section 330-C:30

    330-C:30 Repealed by 2023, 212:7, VI, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. –

Section 330-C:31

    330-C:31 Unlawful Acts. –
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to:
I. Practice as a licensee or certificate holder without a license or certification, as applicable, or when the license or certification to do so has been revoked or suspended or when the license or certification to do so has lapsed.
II. Represent oneself in any way or use, in connection with the individual's name, any designation tending to imply licensure as an alcohol and drug counselor or clinical supervisor or certification as a recovery support worker unless so licensed or certified.
III. Represent or imply that the person or entity is conducting an alcohol and drug use counseling education program which has been approved by the board when the program has not been so approved.
IV. Disclose, solicit, or compile information regarding the contents of any licensing examinations relative to this chapter, except as authorized by the board.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:22, eff. Sept. 4, 2010.

Section 330-C:32

    330-C:32 Penalty. – Any person convicted of violating RSA 330-C:31 shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor if a natural person or guilty of a felony if any other person.

Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008.

Section 330-C:33

    330-C:33 Exemptions. –
I. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the following individuals:
(a) Qualified members of other professions or occupations, including without limitation those licensed by the board of mental health practice, the board of medicine, and the board of nursing who provide treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders within the authorized scope of practice of their profession or occupation and who do not represent themselves as "licensed alcohol and drug counselors," "master licensed alcohol and drug counselors," "licensed clinical supervisors" or "certified recovery support workers."
(b) Students or counselors engaged in entry-level internships in a licensed or certified facility and counselors working toward licensure in a licensed or certified facility, provided that the student or counselor is practicing as part of supervised work or course of study and designated by such titles as "counselor intern," "counselor," or other title clearly indicating training status.
II. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent members of the clergy, or peer groups or self-help groups from performing peer counseling or self-help activities which may be, wholly or in part, included as a defined professional service. However, no members of a peer group or self-help group shall use a title stating or implying that they are a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed clinical supervisor, or a certified recovery support worker.

Source. 2008, 189:1. 2010, 249:23, eff. Sept. 4, 2010.