Senate Bill No. 2088 Summary

• Redefines "addiction counseling" to encompass substance-related or addictive disorders identified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (2013), rather than limiting it to alcohol or controlled substance abuse.

• Establishes three levels of addiction counselor licensure: addiction counselor, licensed clinical addiction counselor, and masters addiction counselor, with the board issuing licenses to qualified applicants meeting coursework, examination, and clinical training requirements.

• Creates a pathway for existing licensed addiction counselors to become licensed clinical addiction counselors by applying before January 1, 2024, if they were licensed as of December 31, 2018, and completed 10,000 hours of full-time clinical experience.

• Authorizes the Bank of North Dakota to establish a loan program providing up to $7,500 at no more than 6 percent annual interest to qualified individuals completing paid or unpaid internships at licensed substance abuse treatment facilities to obtain licensure.

• Updates terminology throughout the chapter to use "licensee" instead of "licensed addiction counselor" and clarifies the board's powers to evaluate qualifications, establish ethical standards, approve training programs, and collect fees necessary for administration and enforcement.