HB 653 Summary

• Expands the definition of "health care professional" in Ohio law to include independent chemical dependency counselors-clinical supervisors, independent chemical dependency counselors, chemical dependency counselors III and II, and chemical dependency counselor assistants, all licensed under Chapter 4758 of the Revised Code.

• Renames two prevention service certificates issued by the Chemical Dependency Professionals Board: "Prevention Specialist I" becomes "Prevention Specialist" and "Prevention Specialist II" becomes "Prevention Consultant."

• Replaces references to "alcohol and other drug prevention services" throughout the statutes with the broader term "prevention services," reflecting a more comprehensive approach to behavioral health prevention.

• Allows the Chemical Dependency Professionals Board to set specific hour requirements through administrative rules rather than fixing them in statute, providing flexibility in establishing education, training, and experience standards for various licensure levels.

• Clarifies exemptions for licensed chemical dependency counselors and prevention services professionals in Chapter 4757.41, ensuring they are not required to hold additional licenses when acting within their scope of practice.