Sponsor Statement for HB 192

This bill establishes a State Board of Chemical Dependency Counseling Examiners under Title 8 of the Alaska Statutes. Alcohol and substance abuse is a growing concern for Alaskans. A requirement of state licensing for chemical dependency counseling professionals provides consumer protection and promotes the best professional quality care for Alaskans seeking and/or in need of treatment services.

This bill changes a voluntary certification process to professional state licensing as a standard of practice. Currently, there is no mechanism in place in Alaska, to prevent anyone, with or without specific training or experience, from calling themselves a chemical dependency counselor.

HB 192 establishes minimum levels of academic or experiential training requirements and supervised experience to practice as a Counselor Associate, Counselor Level I, II, or a Clinical Supervisor.

Alaskans age 12 and older, sought chemical dependency treatment services 9,165 times in fiscal year 1996 (admission and re-admissions) from programs receiving some state funding. Additionally, there are an estimated 2,000 individuals who received treatment services through private practice, private hospitals or federal government providers.

There are 55 programs providing services, which are certified by the State Alcohol & Drug Abuse office. Currently, there are over 700 certified chemical dependency counselors and it is anticipated that there will be growth in this field in the near future.