SB 1277 Summary

• Amends 59 O.S. 2011, Sections 1871 and 1876 regarding the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors Act

• Establishes new educational requirements for licensed alcohol and drug counselors, including a master's degree with specific graduate coursework in foundational knowledge, assessment/treatment, human development, psychopathology, cultural competency, family systems, addiction theory, ethics, research methods, and practicum/internship

• Creates the designation "Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Mental Health" (LADC/MH) for counselors meeting mental health treatment qualifications; allows scope of practice to include assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders for new licensees

• Permits licensed or certified alcohol and drug counselors to obtain co-occurring disorders certification if they meet specified requirements and work under appropriate supervision in approved agencies

• Effective November 1, 2012