CA AB2473

Requires the Department of Health Care Services to determine core competencies for registered and certified substance use disorder counselors, including knowledge of diagnostic manuals, ASAM criteria, cultural competence, medications for addiction treatment, clinical documentation, and behavioral health delivery systems.

Mandates that hour requirements for registered counselors must be at least equal to those required for certified peer support specialists, with counselors having six months from registration to complete core competency requirements.

Exempts counselors already registered in good standing prior to July 1, 2025, from hour requirements, and exempts those with master's degrees in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling from all core competency requirements.

Prohibits certifying organizations from registering or certifying individuals without first checking other approved organizations for prior revocations or removals from practicum due to ethical violations.

Delays implementation of core competency requirements until July 1, 2025, and requires the department to adopt formal regulations by December 31, 2025.