PA SB909

Suspends regulations under 28 Pa. Code § 704.7(b)(6) to allow individuals with lived experience in addiction and recovery, plus at least one year working in a licensed drug and alcohol facility, to serve as counselors with clinical supervisor approval and an individualized training plan

Permits individuals with at least one year of internship or apprenticeship experience at licensed facilities to work as counselors, contingent on clinical supervisor assessment and completion of training requirements

Suspends regulations under 28 Pa. Code § 704.10(b), (c), and (d) related to promotion of counselor assistants during the opioid epidemic

Prohibits the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs from promulgating or enforcing new credential or qualification requirements for drug and alcohol treatment staff positions during the declared opioid epidemic

Defines "opioid epidemic" as more than 1,000 confirmed opioid overdose deaths per calendar year for at least three consecutive years, as reported by the Department of Health; takes effect 60 days after enactment