CA SB1203

Establishes licensing and certification system for alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselors administered by the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, with implementation beginning January 1, 2013.

Creates three credential levels: Registered Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (RAODC), Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CAODC), and Licensed Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (LAODC), each with specific education, experience, and testing requirements.

Requires Counselor Preparation and Testing Organizations (CPTOs) to be accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and establishes department oversight including biennial inspections and disciplinary authority.

Authorizes the department to assess fees for licensing activities and establishes the Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor License Fund for program expenditures upon legislative appropriation.

Makes violations of licensing requirements a misdemeanor and establishes grounds for denial or revocation including criminal convictions, fraud, substance abuse, sexual misconduct, and failure to report child abuse and elder abuse.