HB 2279 Summary

• Changes terminology throughout Arizona law from "substance abuse" to "addiction" counseling, including licensed titles: licensed addiction technician, licensed associate addiction counselor, and licensed independent addiction counselor.

• Amends the board of behavioral health examiners composition to include two members licensed in addiction counseling, at least one of whom is a licensed independent addiction counselor.

• Updates references to addiction counselors in driver license suspension/revocation statutes (sections 28-1445, 28-1461, 28-3005, 28-3153, 28-3315) to align with new terminology for medical evaluations related to driving fitness.

• Allows licensees with existing substance abuse counseling licenses to change their designation to the new addiction counseling titles by their next renewal date.

• Exempts the board of behavioral health examiners from rulemaking requirements under Arizona Revised Statutes title 41, chapter 6 for one year following the effective date.