SB 570 Summary: Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensing Act

• Establishes the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensing Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs to license advanced alcohol and drug counselors (LAADCs) and register advanced alcohol and drug counselor interns (AADCIs), with licensing to commence January 1, 2018.

• Requires applicants for licensure to possess a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field, complete 315 clock hours of alcohol and drug-specific education, complete 315 hours of supervised practicum experience, and pass criminal background checks.

• Makes it a misdemeanor to style oneself as a licensed advanced alcohol and drug counselor without proper licensure and unlawful to engage in alcohol and drug counseling outside licensed/certified facilities or DUI programs without a valid license or registration, effective January 1, 2018.

• Requires licensed counselors operating private practices to refer all clients to prescribed mental health professionals within 30 days of intake to assess for co-occurring disorders, with the board authorized to suspend or revoke licenses for failure to refer.

• Establishes an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors License Fund, sets initial fees ranging from $75 for registration renewal to $155 for license renewal, and creates no state-mandated local reimbursement obligations.