SB 1062 Summary

• Replaces terminology "substance abuse counselor" with "addiction counselor" throughout Arizona Revised Statutes in sections relating to driver licensing, behavioral health licensing, and child dependency proceedings.

• Updates the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to include two members licensed in addiction counseling, at least one of whom is a licensed independent addiction counselor.

• Modifies licensure requirements and designations for addiction counseling professionals, changing titles from "licensed substance abuse technician," "licensed associate substance abuse counselor," and "licensed independent substance abuse counselor" to corresponding "addiction" titles.

• Expands the definition of addiction counseling to include persistent, compulsive dependence on behaviors or substances, including process addictions and mood-altering activities.

• Provides a transition period allowing current licensees to change their licensure designation to the new addiction counselor titles by their next renewal date, and exempts the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners from rulemaking requirements for one year.