TITLE 40.SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Part 3. TEXAS COMMISSION ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

Chapter 150. COUNSELOR LICENSURE

40 TAC §§150.1 - 150.10, 150.31 - 150.33, 150.35 - 150.40, 150.51 - 150.54, 150.60, 150.61, 150.71, 150.72, 150.75 - 150.78

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §§150.1 - 150.10, 150.31 - 150.33, 150.35 - 150.40, 150.51 - 150.54, 150.60, 150.61, 150.71, 150.72, 150.75 - 150.78 concerning counselor licensure.

Sections 150.1 - 150.10 contain definitions as well as information on fees, exemptions, scope of practice, current standing, and consumer information.

Sections 150.31 - 150.33 pertain to licensure application, requirements for licensure, and background investigations.

Sections 150.35 - 150.40 contain information on graduate status, examinations, issuing licenses, license expiration and renewal, inactive status and retired status.

Sections 150.51 - 150.54 contain information on provisional license, reciprocity, sanctions, and suspension for failure to pay child support.

Sections 150.60, 150.61, 150.71, 150.72, and 150.75 - 150.78 provide information on civil penalty enforcement, ethical standards, pre-service education institutions (PSEI) registration, pre-service education institutions (PSEI) standards, practicum provider registration, practicum provider standards, clinical training institution registration and clinical training institution standards.

The repeal of Chapter 150 is proposed because of extensive changes to the existing rules. The proposed new rules will be published in the Texas Register for public comment.

Vernon "Max" Arrell, Interim Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect.

Mr. Arrell has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be elimination of redundant rules. There will be no effect on small businesses and there is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Rules Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register .

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 504, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules for the licensure of chemical dependency counselors.

The code affected by the proposed repeal is the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 504.

§150.1.Authority.

§150.2.Application of the Rules.

§150.3.Definitions.

§150.4.Exemptions.

§150.5.License Required.

§150.6.Scope of Practice.

§150.7.Discrimination Prohibited.

§150.8.Consumer Information.

§150.9.Current Standing.

§150.10.Fees.

§150.31.Licensure Application.

§150.32.Requirements for Licensure.

§150.33.Background Investigation.

§150.35.Graduate Status.

§150.36.Examination.

§150.37.Issuing Licenses.

§150.38.License Expiration and Renewal.

§150.39.Inactive Status.

§150.40.Retired Status.

§150.51.Provisional License.

§150.52.Reciprocity.

§150.53.Sanctions.

§150.54.Suspension for Failure To Pay Child Support.

§150.60.Civil Penalty Enforcement.

§150.61.Ethical Standards.

§150.71.Pre-Service Education Institutions (PSEI) Registration.

§150.72.Pre-Service Education Institutions (PSEI) Standards.

§150.75.Practicum Provider Registration.

§150.76.Practicum Provider Standards.

§150.77.Clinical Training Institution Registration.

§150.78.Clinical Training Institution Standards.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 31, 2001.

TRD-200104417

Karen Pettigrew

General Counsel

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 16, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6607


40 TAC §§150.1, 150.11 - 150.14, 150.21 - 150.28, 150.31 - 150.34, 150.41 - 150.43, 150.51 - 150.56, 150.61, 150.62

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes new §§150.1,150.11 - 150.14, 150.21 - 150.28, 150.31 - 150.34, 150.41 - 150.43, 150.51 - 150.56, 150.61, and 150.62 concerning Counselor Licensure.

These proposed new rules incorporate statutory changes resulting from this year's legislative session. Content changes have been made in other areas as well, including revisions that strengthen the counselor training system and provide consumer protection for the students. The defining reference for chemical dependency counseling services has been updated to incorporate new national standards. New sections have been added to establish minimum documentation standards, a continuing education program administered by the commission, and a system for monitoring the conduct of interns. The rules have also been reorganized to provide a more accessible format.

Section 150.1 and §§150.11 - 150.14 of the proposed new rules define terms, state the scope of practice, and list the schedule for fees.

Sections 150.21 - 150.28 of the proposed new rules establish requirements for licensure, establish educational, practicum and supervised work experience standards, as well as delineate processes for issuing licenses through examination and reciprocity.

Sections 150.31 - 150.34 of the proposed new rules establish criminal history standards, delineate procedures for renewing a license and requesting inactive status, and establish criteria for continuing education hours.

Sections 150.41 - 150.43 of the proposed new rules describe minimal standards for clinical documentation, establish ethical standards and grounds for taking action against a licensee.

Sections 150.51 - 150.56 of the proposed new rules establish guidelines for transition from pre-service education institutions and practicum providers to proprietary schools, and establish criteria for becoming a clinical training institution. Additionally, standards for clinical training institutions, supervising interns, and grounds for taking action against an intern are described.

Section 150.61 and §150.62 of the proposed new rules establish guidelines for becoming a registered continuing education provider and continuing education provider standards.

Vernon "Max" Arrell, Interim Executive Director, has determined that there will not be fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the proposed new rules for the first five-year period the proposed new rules are in effect.

Organizations currently registered as Pre-Service Education Institutions or Practicum Providers that choose to continue providing services as proprietary schools regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission will be subject to a registration fee. The fee for a small school is $1,001 and the fee for any other school is $3,000.

A new fee of $40 will be charged to all counselors and interns to cover the costs of obtaining a national and state criminal background check. The fee is within the statutory authority of this agency and its governing board to adopt and is not mandated by the Legislature.

Vernon "Max" Arrell, Interim Executive Director, has also determined that for each year of the first five years the new rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be: a clearer and more effective licensure process; improved training for counselor interns, consumer protection for students, enhanced protection for clients receiving services from counselors and interns, for counselors providing chemical dependency treatment services. There will be no additional effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Rules Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days after the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register .

The new rules are proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 504, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules for the licensure of chemical dependency counselors.

The code affected by the proposed new rules is the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 504.

§150.1.Definitions.

The following terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Abuse--An intentional, knowing, or reckless act or omission by a counselor, intern or applicant that causes or may cause death, emotional harm or physical injury to a client. Client abuse includes:

(A) any sexual activity between facility personnel and a client;

(B) corporal punishment;

(C) nutritional or sleep deprivation;

(D) efforts to cause fear;

(E) the use of any form of communication to threaten, curse, shame, or degrade a client;

(F) restraint that does not conform with applicable rules in Chapter 148 of this title (relating to Facility Licensure);

(G) coercive or restrictive actions taken in response to the client's request for discharge or the client's refusal of medication or treatment that are illegal or not justified by the client's condition; and

(H) any other act or omission classified as abuse by the Texas Family Code, §261.001.

(2) Applicant--A person who has submitted an application for an initial or renewal license.

(3) Chemical dependency counseling services--The application of the principles, methods, and procedures of the chemical dependency counseling profession as defined by the activities listed in the domains of the Addictions Counseling Competencies: the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice (KSAs), published by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

(4) Client--A person who receives services from a licensed chemical dependency counselor, or from an organization where the counselor is working on a paid or voluntary basis. A client's status continues for two years after services end.

(5) Clinical training institution (CTI)--An individual or legal entity registered with the commission to supervise a counselor intern.

(6) Commission (TCADA)--The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

(7) Counselor intern--A person registered with the Commission who is pursuing a course of training in chemical dependency counseling at a registered clinical training institution. Through June 30, 2002, interns also include individuals pursuing a course of training in chemical dependency counseling who are completing a practicum at a registered practicum provider or an accredited institution of higher education.

(8) Exploitation-- The illegal or improper use of a client or a client's resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain by a counselor, intern, or applicant.

(9) KSAs--The knowledge, skills, and attitudes of addictions counseling as defined by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in Technical Assistance Publication 21: Addictions Counseling Competencies: the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice.

(10) Licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC)--A person who:

(A) renders chemical dependency counseling services for compensation to an individual, group, organization, corporation, institution, or the general public;

(B) implies that the person is licensed, trained, or experienced in chemical dependency counseling; and

(C) holds a license under this chapter to offer or provide chemical dependency counseling.

(11) Neglect--A negligent act or omission by a counselor, intern, or applicant that causes or may cause death, substantial emotional harm, or physical injury to a client. Examples of neglect include, but are not limited to, failure to provide a safe environment free from abuse, failure to establish or carry out an appropriate individualized treatment plan, and any other act or omission classified as neglect by the Texas Family Code, §261.001.

(12) Practicum provider--An individual or legal entity registered with the commission to supervise practicums through June 30, 2002.

(13) Pre-service educational institution (PSEI)--An individual or legal entity registered with the commission to provide the 270 hours of education required for licensure through June 30, 2002.

(14) Proprietary school--An organization approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce under the Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Chapter 807 (relating to Proprietary Schools) that offers a course of study in chemical dependency counseling.

(15) Qualified credentialed counselor (QCC)--A licensed chemical dependency counselor or one of the professionals listed below who is licensed and in good standing in the state of Texas and has at least 1,000 hours of documented experience treating substance use disorders:

(A) licensed professional counselor (LPC);

(B) licensed master social worker (LMSW);

(C) licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT);

(D) licensed psychologist;

(E) licensed physician;

(F) certified addictions registered nurse (CARN); and

(G) advance practice nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psyche-mental health (APN-P/MH).

(16) Sexual exploitation--A pattern, practice, or scheme of conduct by a counselor, intern, or applicant that can reasonably be construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification or sexual abuse of any person. It may include sexual contact, a request for sexual contact, or a representation that sexual contact or exploitation is consistent with or part of treatment. It is not a defense to sexual exploitation of a client or former client if it occurs:

(A) with consent of the client or former client;

(B) outside of therapy or treatment;

(C) off the premises used for therapy or treatment; or

(D) within a two-year period following termination of treatment.

§150.11.License Required.

(a) An individual identified to the public as a chemical dependency counselor must be licensed or exempt under this chapter. Except as provided by this section, individuals who are not licensed chemical dependency counselors shall not:

(1) offer or provide chemical dependency counseling services;

(2) represent themselves as chemical dependency counselors; or

(3) use any name, title, or designation that implies licensure as a chemical dependency counselor.

(b) The following people are exempt from this chapter when they are acting within the scope of their authorized duties:

(1) counselors employed by federal institutions;

(2) school counselors certified by the Texas Education Agency;

(3) licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed master social workers;

(4) religious leaders of congregations providing pastoral counseling within the scope of their congregational duties and people who are working for or providing counseling with a program exempted under Chapter 145 of this title (relating to Faith-Based Chemical Dependency Treatment Programs);

(5) students who are participating in a practicum as part of a supervised course of clinical training at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or a proprietary school; and

(6) counselor interns who are registered with the commission and working under the auspices of a registered Clinical Training Institution.

(c) Residents of other states are exempt if they:

(1) are legally authorized to provide chemical dependency counseling in those states; and

(2) do not offer or provide chemical dependency counseling in Texas for more than 30 days in any 12-month period.

(d) A person who qualifies for an exemption but chooses to get a license from the commission is subject to the same rules and sanctions as other licensees.

§150.12.Scope of Practice.

A licensed chemical dependency counselor is licensed to provide chemical dependency counseling services involving the application of the principles, methods, and procedures of the chemical dependency profession as defined by the profession's ethical standards and the KSAs. The license does not qualify an individual to provide services outside this scope of practice.

§150.13.Commission Review.

(a) A person licensed, registered, or approved under this chapter shall allow commission staff to access the facilities and records and to interview or survey clients, members of the governing body, staff, and students. The person shall make all property, records, and documents related to the license, registration, or approval available for examination or reproduction during normal business hours.

(b) The commission's executive director may waive a rule if an applicant demonstrates exceptional circumstances provided the requirement is not established in statute or related to criminal history standards.

§150.14.Fees.

(a) The schedule for fees is:

(1) initial application fee--$25;

(2) initial licensure fee--$75;

(3) renewal fees:

(A) renewal application fee--$25;

(B) license renewal fee--$75;

(C) late renewal penalty fee (up to 90 days after the license expiration date)--$37.50;

(D) late renewal penalty fee (between 91 days and one year after the license expiration date)--$75;

(4) background investigation fee--$40;

(5) inactive status fee--$50;

(6) certificate or sticker replacement or duplication fee--$25;

(7) continuing education provider fee--$150.

(b) The commission charges a $25 fee for a printed list of licensed counselors or a set of mailing labels.

(c) The commission contracts with an outside organization to administer the licensure examination, and the fee charged by the contract organization is subject to change. The current fee shall be printed in the notice of the opportunity for examination. Examination fees shall be paid directly to the contract organization administering the examination.

(d) Licensure fees paid to the commission are not refundable.

(e) Fees shall be paid in full with a cashier's check, commercial check, or money order. If online application is available, the fee may be paid with a credit card and is subject to a surcharge by the online vendor.

§150.21.Requirements for Licensure by Examination.

(a) To be eligible for a license under this chapter, a person must:

(1) be at least 18 years of age;

(2) have a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(3) successfully complete 270 classroom hours of chemical dependency curricula as described in §150.22 of this title (relating to Educational Standards);

(4) complete 300 hours of approved supervised field work practicum as described in §150.23 of this title (relating to Practicum Standards);

(5) complete 4,000 hours of approved supervised experience working with chemically dependent persons as described in §150.24 of this title (relating to Standards for Supervised Work Experience);

(6) pass the written chemical dependency counselor examination approved by the commission;

(7) submit an adequate, written case presentation to the test administrator;

(8) pass an oral chemical dependency counselor examination approved by the commission;

(9) meet the criminal history standards described in §150.31 of this title (relating to Criminal History Standards);

(10) sign a written agreement to abide by the ethical standards contained in §150.42 of this title (relating to Ethical Standards); and

(11) be worthy of the public trust and confidence as determined by the commission.

(b) Applicants holding a degree in chemical dependency counseling, sociology, psychology, or any other degree approved by the commission are exempt from the 270 hours of education and the 300 hour practicum. The applicant must submit an official college transcript with the official seal of the college and the signature of the registrar. Degree programs approved by the commission include baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral degrees with a course of study in human behavior/development and service delivery.

(c) The commission may waive the 4000 hours of supervised work experience for individuals who hold a masters or doctoral degree in social work or a masters or doctoral degree in a counseling-related field with 48 semester hours of graduate-level courses. Counseling related degrees shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The applicant shall submit an official college transcript with the official seal of the college and the signature of the registrar, and any other related documentation requested by the commission.

§150.22.Educational Standards

(a) At least 135 (nine semester hours) of the education hours must be specific to substance use disorders and their treatment. The remaining 135 hours may be specific or related to chemical dependency counseling. Related education hours may include courses in psychology, upper division sociology, counseling, mental health, behavioral science, psychiatric nursing, ethics, and rehabilitation counseling.

(b) The education shall be provided by registered Pre-service Education Institution, a proprietary school, or an accredited institution of higher education. Classroom hours may be obtained from a registered Pre-service Education Institution only through June 30, 2002. Beginning July 1, 2002, all classroom hours must be obtained from a proprietary school or an accredited institution of higher education.

(c) Continuing education and extended learning courses offered by institutions of higher education are not acceptable unless the curriculum follows the Workforce Education Curriculum Manual and meets the standards equivalent to a credit course.

(d) Educational hours obtained at proprietary school must follow the curriculum for Transdisciplinary Foundations for Addictions Professional outlined the in the KSAs:

(1) Understanding Addiction;

(2) Treatment Knowledge;

(3) Application to Practice; and

(4) Professional Readiness.

(e) The Commission shall not accept hours unless documented with a passing grade on an official transcript from the school. The applicant shall submit additional information requested by the Commission if needed to verify the content of a course.

§150.23.Practicum Standards.

(a) The practicum shall be completed under the supervision of a registered practicum provider, a proprietary school, or an accredited institution of higher education. Practicum hours may be obtained from a registered Practicum Provider only through June 30, 2002. Beginning July 1, 2002, all practicum hours must be obtained from a proprietary school or an accredited institution of higher education.

(b) An applicant shall complete the required 270 hours of education before participating in a practicum, with one exception. Students enrolled in an accredited university, college, junior college, or community college may complete the practicum before completing the 270 hours of education if the practicum is:

(1) part of the assigned curriculum; and

(2) performed under the auspices of the educational institution.

(c) The applicant must complete the practicum under the supervision of a single school.

(d) The commission shall not accept a practicum without an official transcript from the school and a letter from the school's educational coordinator or chair verifying that the Practicum was completed in the field of substance abuse.

(e) Practicum hours may be paid or voluntary.

(f) The practicum shall be delivered according to a written training curriculum that provides the student with an orientation to treatment services and exposure to treatment activities in each of the KSA domains. The practicum must include the intern observing treatment delivery and the intern providing services under direct observation. The practicum shall include at least 20 hours of experience in each of the KSA domains (observation and being observed). A practicum student shall not provide counseling services (except education) without direct observation by a QCC.

(g) All training shall be provided by QCCs.

§150.24.Standards for Supervised Work Experience.

(a) An applicant must be registered with the commission as described in §150.21 of this title (relating to Requirements for Licensure by Examination) before accumulating supervised work experience with the following exceptions.

(1) Individuals with an application on file with the commission who began accumulating work experience at a Clinical Training Institution before December 1, 2001 shall submit fingerprint cards by June 30, 2002. Registration must be complete to provide chemical dependency counseling services and accumulate additional hours after August 15, 2002.

(2) Individuals who began accumulating supervised work experience hours at a Clinical Training Institution before December 1, 2001 but had not submitted an application to the commission by that date shall submit an application and the fingerprint cards by June 30, 2002. Registration must be complete to provide chemical dependency counseling services and accumulate additional hours after August 15, 2002.

(3) The commission shall not accept work experience completed more than five years preceding the date of registration.

(b) All supervised work experience obtained in Texas must be completed at a registered clinical training institution (CTI).

(c) Work experience must be documented on the commission's Supervised Work Experience Documentation Form and signed by the agency's CTI coordinator.

(1) All hours included in the documented supervised work experience must be performed within the KSA domains.

(2) The supervised work experience form must be accompanied by the intern's job description reflecting duties in the KSA domains.

(d) Out of state work experience will be accepted only if the following conditions are met.

(1) The applicant is either certified or licensed or in the process of seeking licensure or certification in the other state.

(2) The standards for clinical supervision of work experience must meet or exceed Texas standards and be outlined in the governing agency's rules or standards. A copy of the governing rules or standards must be submitted with the other required documentation of supervised work experience.

(3) The supervised work experience must be documented on the commission's Supervised Work Experience form or a comparable form used by the governing agency of the other state.

(e) Supervised work experience may be paid or voluntary.

(f) An intern must complete all supervised work experience and pass the written and oral examination within five years from the date of registration.

(g) A person who has completed the 4,000 hours of supervised work experience and is currently eligible to take or retake the examination is a graduate intern and may continue to provide chemical dependency services under the auspices of a registered clinical training institution during the five-year registration period.

(h) It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that the training institution is registered with the commission. The commission shall not accept hours from an unregistered provider.

§150.25.Licensure Application and Registration Process.

(a) Every person seeking licensure shall register with the commission by submitting:

(1) the application fee and the background investigation fee;

(2) the commission's current application form which has been completed, signed, dated, and notarized;

(3) a recent full-face wallet-sized photograph of the applicant;

(4) two sets of fingerprints on cards issued by the commission;

(5) documentation that the applicant has successfully completed the 270 classroom hours of education and 300 hour field work practicum or an acceptable college transcript as described in §150.21 of this title (relating to Requirements for Licensure by Examination);

(6) documentation of a high school diploma or its equivalent; and

(7) two letters of recommendation from LCDCs.

(b) An applicant shall:

(1) disclose and provide complete information about all misdemeanor and felony charges, indictments, deferred adjudications, episodes of community supervision or probation, and convictions;

(2) read the commission rules (Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Chapter 150);

(3) follow all laws and rules, including the ethical standards;

(4) allow the commission to seek any additional information or references necessary; and

(5) notify the commission in writing within 14 days of a change in address.

(c) Application materials become the property of the commission.

(d) An application packet will not be accepted unless it is complete.

(1) Incomplete documents will be returned to the sender. The commission will hold the remaining documents, but will not accept the application until all outstanding documents have been completed and approved.

(2) The application fee is not refundable and will not be returned. When resubmitting documents that were returned to the sender as incomplete, a second application fee is not required.

(e) A document may be considered incomplete if it does not conform with the following standards.

(1) All documents must be complete, signed, and dated. Signatures shall include credentials when required. If the documentation relates to past activity, the date of the activity shall also be recorded.

(2) Documentation shall be permanent and legible.

(3) When it is necessary to correct a document, the error shall be marked through with a single line, dated, and initialed by the writer. Correction fluid shall not be used.

(f) An applicant shall pass criminal history investigation described in §150.31 of this title (relating to Criminal History Standards).

(g) An applicant must receive written notice of registration from the commission before accumulating any supervised work experience or taking the examination or providing chemical dependency services.

(h) Within 45 days of receipt of the application, the commission shall notify the applicant that the application is complete or specify the additional information required.

(i) By signing the application, the applicant accepts responsibility for remaining knowledgeable of licensure rules, including revisions.

(1) Current rules are published in the Texas Administrative Code and posted on the secretary of state's web site and the commission's web site.

(2) Proposed rule changes are published in the Texas Register and posted on the secretary of state's web site and the commission's web site.

§150.26.Examination.

(a) To be eligible for examination, an applicant shall:

(1) be registered with the commission as an intern as described in §150.25 of this title (relating to License Application and Registration Process);

(2) submit an acceptable case study to the test administrator; and

(3) pay the examination fee to the test administrator.

(b) All required documentation and fees must be submitted to the test administrator by the specified deadlines. It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain testing information.

(c) An applicant may only take the examination four times, and all testing must be completed within five years from the date of registration. An applicant shall take the written and oral portions of the examination together unless the applicant has already passed one part of the examination.

(d) If an applicant does not pass both parts of the examination within five years of the date of registration and/or does not complete the required 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, the commission shall deny the application.

(1) A person whose license application has been denied is no longer an intern and cannot provide chemical dependency counseling services under the auspices of a clinical training institution.

(2) A person whose application has been denied under this section may reapply for licensure only after completing 24 semester hours of course work pre-approved by the commission at an institution of higher education. The new application shall not be considered complete without an official college transcript documenting the required coursework.

(3) If the commission accepts the new application, the person may take the failed portion(s) of the examination an additional three times. The additional tests must be completed within three years of the new date of registration. During this period, the applicant may provide chemical dependency counseling services as an intern under the auspices of a registered clinical training institution.

§150.27.Issuing Licenses.

(a) When the applicant has met all requirements for licensure and paid the licensure fee, the commission will issue a license within 45 days.

(b) Licensed chemical dependency counselors shall keep current versions of the certificate of licensure and the commission's public complaint notice prominently displayed in their place of business.

(c) A licensee shall not duplicate the licensure certificate to obtain a second copy of the license. A licensee can obtain an official duplicate certificate from the commission by submitting a written request and the fee specified in §150.14 of this title (relating to Fees).

(d) The commission will replace a lost or damaged certificate if the licensee provides:

(1) the remnants of the original license (if damaged);

(2) the original license and copy of legal documents (for a name change);

(3) the original license (for printing error); or

(4) a notarized statement if the license has been lost, stolen, or destroyed.

(e) A license replaced because of a printing error or mail damage will be replaced without cost, but all other license replacements require a fee, as specified in §150.14 of this title. The fee shall be paid in advance with a money order, commercial check, or cashier's check.

(f) Licensed chemical dependency counselors shall notify the commission in writing within 14 days of a change in address.

(g) The licensee shall return the license if it is suspended or revoked.

(h) The licensee shall remain knowledgeable of the current rules in this chapter, including rule changes.

§150.28.Licensure through Reciprocity.

(a) A person seeking application through reciprocity shall submit:

(1) a copy of the reciprocal license or certification;

(2) the commission's current reciprocity application which has been completed, signed, dated, and notarized;

(3) two sets of fingerprints on cards issued by the commission;

(4) a recent full-face wallet-sized photograph of the applicant;

(5) two letters of recommendation; and

(6) the application fee and the background investigation fee.

(b) The applicant shall meet the criminal history standards described in §150.31 of this title (relating to Criminal History Standards).

(c) The commission may issue a license based on reciprocity if the individual is currently licensed or certified by another state as a chemical dependency counselor.

(d) The commission shall not issue a license based on reciprocity unless it finds that the licensing or certification standards of the state of origin are at least substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter.

(e) An applicant who does not qualify for reciprocity may apply for licensure through examination and is subject to the same standards as other applicants.

§150.31.Criminal History Standards.

(a) The commission reviews the criminal history of every applicant for licensure. Reviews are conducted when:

(1) an applicant for licensure through examination registers with the commission as an intern;

(2) an applicant has met all other requirements for licensure;

(3) a licensed chemical dependency counselor applies for license renewal; and

(4) the commission receives information that a counselor or intern has been charged, indicted, placed on deferred adjudication, community supervision, or probation, or convicted of an offense described in subsection (d) of this section.

(b) An applicant shall disclose and provide complete information about all misdemeanor and felony charges, indictments, deferred adjudications, episodes of community supervision or probation, and convictions. Failure to make full and accurate disclosure will be grounds for immediate application denial, disciplinary action, or license revocation.

(c) The commission obtains criminal history information from the Texas Department of Public Safety, including information from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

(d) The commission shall deny the initial or renewal license application of a person who has been convicted or placed on community supervision in any jurisdiction for committing the following offenses:

(1) during the five years preceding the date of application:

(A) class B misdemeanor alcohol and drug offenses; and

(B) class B misdemeanor offenses resulting in actual or potential harm to others or animals;

(2) during the seven years preceding the date of application:

(A) class A misdemeanor alcohol and drug offenses;

(B) class A misdemeanor offenses resulting in actual or potential harm to others or animals;

(C) felony property offenses; and

(D) felony alcohol and drug offenses;

(3) during the ten years preceding the date of application: felony offenses that result in actual or potential harm to others and/or animals not listed separately in this section;

(4) during the 15 years preceding the date of application:

(A) kidnapping;

(B) arson;

(C) manslaughter;

(D) homicide (single count); and

(E) felony sexual offenses involving an adult victim who is not a client (single count);

(5) during the applicant's lifetime:

(A) capital offenses;

(B) sexual offenses involving a child victim;

(C) felony sexual offenses involving an adult victim who is a client (single count);

(D) multiple counts of felony sexual offenses involving any adult victim; and

(E) multiple counts of homicide.

(e) The commission shall defer action on the application of a person who has been charged, indicted, or placed on deferred adjudication, community supervision, or probation for an offense described in subsection (d) of this section. The person may reapply for licensure when:

(1) the charges are dropped or the person is found not guilty; or

(2) the timeframes established in subsection (d) of this section have been met.

(f) The commission shall suspend a counselor's license or an intern's registration if the commission receives notice from the Texas Department of Public Safety or another law enforcement agency that the individual has been charged, indicted, placed on deferred adjudication, community supervision, or probation, or convicted of an offense described in subsection (d) of this section.

(1) The commission shall send notice stating the grounds for summary suspension by certified mail to the license holder at the address listed in the commission's records. The suspension is effective five days after the date of mailing.

(2) The commission shall restore the person's license upon receipt of official documentation that the charges have been dismissed or the person has been found not guilty.

(g) A person whose license has been denied or suspended under this section may only appeal the action if:

(1) The person was convicted or placed on community supervision; and

(2) the appeal is based on the grounds that the timeframes defined in subsection (d) of this section have been met.

§150.32.License Expiration and Renewal.

(a) A license issued under this chapter is valid for two years, or until the expiration date printed on the license. The licensee is responsible for renewing the license in a timely manner. The commission shall send the licensee a renewal notice, but failure to receive notice from the commission does not waive or extend renewal deadlines.

(b) To renew a license, the counselor shall:

(1) send a renewal application to the commission;

(2) pay the renewal application fee, the license fee, and the background investigation fee;

(3) submit two sets of fingerprints on cards issued by the commission;

(4) meet the criminal history standards described in §150.31 of this title (relating to Criminal History Standards); and

(5) complete all required continuing education.

(c) A licensed chemical dependency counselor who is also licensed as an LMSW, LMFT, LPC, physician, or psychologist in the state of Texas shall complete at least 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year licensure period. The individual must submit a copy of the active non-LCDC licensure certificate to be eligible for this provision.

(d) A licensed chemical dependency counselor who does not meet the criteria in subsection (c) of this section must complete at least 60 hours of continuing education.

(e) All continuing education hours must be specific to substance use disorders and their treatment or related to chemical dependency counseling as defined by the KSA domains. Related education hours may include courses in psychology, sociology, counseling, mental health, behavioral science, psychiatric nursing, ethics, and rehabilitation counseling.

(f) Continuing education hours must include at least three hours of ethics training and at least six hours of training (total) in HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted diseases.

(g) If an individual's job duties include clinical supervision, required hours of continuing education must include three hours of clinical supervision training.

(h) Renewal fees are due on or before the expiration date. A licensee who submits a late renewal application shall pay a penalty fee in addition to the renewal application and licensure fees, as provided in §150.14 of this title (relating to Fees).

(i) A license cannot be renewed more than one year after the date of expiration. To obtain a new license, the person shall comply with the requirements and procedures for obtaining an initial license. Everyone who applies for a new license under this subsection must pass the written and oral examinations, with one exception. If the person was licensed in Texas, moved to another state, and is currently licensed and has been in practice in the other state for the two years preceding application, the person may renew an expired license without reexamination. The person must pay a fee that is equal to two times the required renewal fee.

(j) A person whose license has expired cannot offer or provide chemical dependency counseling services as defined by the KSAs, represent himself or herself as an LCDC, or act in the capacity of a QCC.

(k) A licensee who teaches a qualifying continuing education course shall receive the same number of hours as students attending the course. Only one set of hours can be accrued for a single curriculum and no more than 30 hours of CE credit will be granted for courses taught by the applicant.

§150.33.Continuing Education Standards.

(a) The commission will accept continuing education (CE) hours that meet the criteria in this section. Hours that do not meet these criteria may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

(b) The commission will accept continuing education credits from:

(1) the commission;

(2) other recognized state boards, including, but not limited to the Texas State Boards of Nurse, Social Work, and Professional Counselor Examiners;

(3) the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors; and

(4) the Texas Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (TCBAP). Courses approved by TCBAP shall meet the standards described in §150.62 of this title (relating to Continuing Education Provider Standards).

(c) For counselors who live out of state, the commission will also accept continuing education hours approved by other state and federal agencies.

(d) Continuing education certificates must contain:

(1) applicant's name and license number;

(2) date CE hours were completed;

(3) number of CE hours assigned to each course;

(4) CE course title;

(5) educational provider number, if applicable;

(6) sponsoring agency name; and

(7) signature of instructor or coordinator.

(e) The commission will also accept education hours from an accredited college or university.

(1) College transcripts must contain the official seal of the college and the signature of the registrar.

(2) One hour of college credit is equivalent to 15 CE hours.

(f) No more than 30 hours of independent study or distance learning courses will be accepted. Independent study or guided learning courses must be guided and monitored by the instructor and include an evaluation of performance and/or participation verification. In addition, the course must be structured so that students have access to faculty or instructors for questions and assistance in the completion of such course work.

§150.34.Inactive Status.

(a) A licensee may request to have his or her license placed on inactive status by submitting a written request and paying the inactive fee before the license expires. Inactive status shall not be granted unless the license is current and in good standing, with no pending investigations or disciplinary actions.

(b) A person on inactive status cannot perform activities outlined in the KSA domains, represent himself or herself as an LCDC, or act in the capacity of a QCC. A person is subject to investigation and action during the period of inactive status.

(c) Inactive status shall not exceed two years.

(d) To return to active status, the person shall submit a written request to reactivate the license, a completed renewal application form, the renewal application fee and the license renewal fee, and documentation of 30 hours of continuing education within the inactive status period.

(e) An inactive license will automatically expire at the end of the two-year period.

§150.41.Documentation.

(a) The counselor shall establish and maintain a record for every client at the time of initial service delivery. The client record shall include:

(1) client identifying information;

(2) assessment results, including a statement of the client's problems and/or diagnosis;

(3) plan of care;

(4) documentation of all services provided, including date, duration, and method of delivery; and

(5) a description of the client's status at the time services are discontinued.

(b) A counselor who is an independent practitioner shall maintain a record of all charges billed and all payments received.

(c) All entries shall be permanent, legible, accurate, and completed in a timely manner.

(d) All documents and entries shall be dated and authenticated. Authentication of electronic records shall be a cryptography-based digital signature.

(e) When it is necessary to correct a record, the error shall be marked through with a single line, dated, and initialed by the counselor.

(f) The counselor shall protect all client records and other client-identifying information from destruction, loss, tampering, and unauthorized access, use or disclosure. Electronic client information shall be protected to the same degree as paper records and shall have a reliable backup system.

(g) The counselor shall not deny clients access to the content of their records except as provided by the Texas Health and Safety Code, §611.0045.

(h) Client records shall be kept for at least five years. Records of adolescent clients shall be kept for at least five years after the client turns 18.

§150.42.Ethical Standards.

(a) All applicants, and licensed chemical dependency counselors shall comply with these ethical standards.

(b) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall not discriminate against any client or other person on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or economic condition.

(c) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall maintain objectivity, integrity, and the highest standards in providing services to the client.

(d) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall:

(1) report to the commission any suspected, alleged, or substantiated incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation committed by self or other licensed chemical dependency counselors or registered counselor interns;

(2) promptly report to the commission violations of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 504, or rules adopted under the statute, including violations of this section by self or others;

(3) recognize the limitations of his or her ability and shall not offer services outside the counselor's scope of practice or use techniques that exceed his or her professional competence; and

(4) try to prevent the practice of chemical dependency counseling by unqualified or unauthorized persons.

(e) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall not engage in the practice of chemical dependency counseling if impaired by, intoxicated by, or under the influence of chemicals, including alcohol.

(f) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall uphold the law and refrain from unprofessional conduct. In so doing, the licensed chemical dependency counselor shall:

(1) comply with all applicable laws and regulations;

(2) not make any claim, directly or by implication, that the counselor possesses professional qualifications or affiliations that the counselor does not possess;

(3) not mislead or deceive the public or any person; and

(4) refrain from any act which might tend to discredit the profession.

(g) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall:

(1) report information fairly, professionally, and accurately to clients, other professionals, the commission, and the general public;

(2) maintain appropriate documentation of services provided; and

(3) provide responsible and objective training and supervision to interns and subordinates under the counselor's supervision. This includes properly documenting supervision and work experience and providing supervisory documentation needed for licensure.

(h) In any publication, the licensed chemical dependency counselor shall give written credit to all persons or works, which have contributed to or directly influenced the publication.

(i) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall respect a client's dignity, and shall not engage in any action that may injure the welfare of any client or person to whom the counselor is providing services. The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall:

(1) make every effort to provide access to treatment, including advising clients about resources and services, taking into account the financial constraints of the client;

(2) remain loyal and professionally responsible to the client at all times, disclose the counselor's ethical code of standards, and inform the client of the counselor's loyalties and responsibilities;

(3) not engage in any activity which could be considered a professional conflict, and shall immediately remove himself or herself from such a conflict if one occurs;

(4) terminate any professional relationship or counseling service which is not beneficial, or is in any way detrimental to the client;

(5) always act in the best interest of the client;

(6) not abuse, neglect, or exploit a client;

(7) not have sexual contact with or intentionally enter into a personal or business relationship with a client (including any client receiving services from the counselor's employer) for at least two years after the client's services end;

(8) not request a client to divulge confidential information that is not necessary and appropriate for the services being provided; and

(9) not offer or provide chemical dependency counseling or related services in settings or locations which are inappropriate, harmful to the client or others, or which would tend to discredit the profession of chemical dependency counseling.

(j) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall protect the privacy of all clients and shall not disclose confidential information without express written consent, except as permitted by law. The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall remain knowledgeable of and obey all state and federal laws and regulations relating to confidentiality of chemical dependency treatment records, and shall:

(1) inform the client, and obtain the client's consent, before tape-recording the client, allowing another person to observe or monitor the client;

(2) ensure the security of client records;

(3) not discuss or divulge information obtained in clinical or consulting relationships except in appropriate settings and for professional purposes which clearly relate to the case;

(4) avoid invasion of the privacy of the client;

(5) provide the client his/her rights regarding confidentiality in writing as part of informing the client in any areas likely to affect the client's confidentiality; and

(6) ensure the data requested from other parties is limited to information that is necessary and appropriate to the services being provided and is accessible only to appropriate parties.

(k) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall inform the client about all relevant and important aspects of the professional relationship between the client and the counselor, and shall:

(1) in the case of clients who are not their own consenters, inform the client's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of circumstances which might influence the professional relationship;

(2) not enter into a professional relationship with members of the counselor's family, close friends or associates, or others whose welfare might be jeopardized in any way by such relationship;

(3) not establish a personal relationship with any client (including any individual receiving services from the counselor's employer) for at least two years after the client's services end;

(4) neither engage in any type or form of sexual behavior with a client (including any individual receiving services from the counselor's employer) for at least two years after the client's services end nor accept as a client anyone with whom they have engaged in sexual behavior; and

(5) not exploit relationships with clients for personal gain.

(l) The licensed chemical dependency counselor shall treat other professionals with respect, courtesy, and fairness, and shall:

(1) refrain from providing or offering professional services to a client who is receiving chemical dependency treatment from another professional, except with the knowledge of the other professional and the consent of the client, until treatment with the other professional ends;

(2) cooperate with the commission, professional peer review groups or programs, and professional ethics committees or associations, and promptly supply all requested or relevant information unless prohibited by law; and

(3) ensure that his/her actions in no way exploit relationships with supervisees, employees, students, research participants or volunteers.

(m) Prior to treatment, the licensed chemical dependency counselor shall inform the client of the counselor's fee schedule and establish financial arrangements with a client. The counselor shall not:

(1) charge exorbitant or unreasonable fees for any treatment service;

(2) pay or receive any commission, consideration, or benefit of any kind related to the referral of a client for treatment;

(3) use the client relationship for the purpose of personal gain, or profit, except for the normal, usual charge for treatment provided;

(4) accept a private professional fee or any gift or gratuity from a client if the client's treatment is paid for by another funding source, or if the client is receiving treatment from a facility where the counselor provides services (unless all parties agree to the arrangement in writing).

§150.43.Actions Against a License.

(a) Actions against a license include:

(1) refusal to issue or renew a license;

(2) suspension or revocation of a license;

(3) placing a counselor on probation if the counselor's license has been suspended; and

(4) reprimand of a license holder.

(b) The commission shall take action against a license for:

(1) violating or assisting another to violate the statute or these rules;

(2) circumventing or attempting to circumvent the statute or these rules;

(3) participating, directly or indirectly, in a plan to evade the statute or these rules;

(4) engaging in false, misleading, or deceptive conduct as defined by Business and Commerce Code, §17.46;

(5) engaging in conduct that discredits or tends to discredit the profession of chemical dependency counseling;

(6) revealing or causing to be revealed, directly or indirectly, a confidential communication made to the licensed chemical dependency counselor by a client or recipient of services, except as required by law;

(7) having a license to practice chemical dependency counseling in another jurisdiction refused, suspended, or revoked for a reason that the commission finds would constitute a violation of this chapter;

(8) refusing to perform an act or service for which the person is licensed to perform under this chapter on the basis of the client's or recipient's sex, race, religion, age, national origin, or handicaps; or

(9) committing an act for which liability exists under Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 81.

(c) The commission will determine the length of the probation or suspension. The commission may hold a hearing at any time and revoke the probation or suspension.

(d) The commission may impose an administrative penalty against a licensee who violates Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 504, or a rule or order adopted under the statute.

(e) Surrender or expiration of a license does not interrupt an investigation or disciplinary action. The individual is not eligible to regain the license until all outstanding investigations, disciplinary actions, or hearings are resolved.

(f) An individual whose license has been revoked is not eligible to apply for licensure until two years have passed since the date of revocation. During the period of revocation, the individual cannot become a counselor intern.

(g) The commission shall deny, suspend, and/or refuse to renew the license of a person based on criminal history as provided in §150.31 of this title (relating to Criminal Histories).

(h) The commission shall implement a final order to suspend the license of a counselor for failure to pay child support as provided by the Texas Family Code, Chapter 232.

§150.51.Pre-Service Education Institution (PSEI) Transition.

(a) The commission shall not register new Pre-Service Education Institutions (PSEIs) after November 1, 2001. The registration of any PSEI registered with the commission on November 1, 2001 is valid through and expires on June 30, 2002.

(b) The PSEI shall ensure that all students admitted to the program can complete the 270 hours before the program closes.

(c) The PSEI shall maintain compliance with the standards for PSEIs described in §150.72 of this title (relating to Pre-Service Education Institution (PSEI) Standards) as published on January 1, 2000.

(d) The PSEI shall notify the commission in writing within 30 days of any changes from the information submitted on the initial or renewal application. This includes:

(1) closure of the education program;

(2) addition of a new education site; or

(3) a change in the organization's name.

(e) The commission may withdraw approval if the PSEI fails to comply with all applicable commission rules.

§150.52.Practicum Provider Transition.

(a) The commission shall not register new practicum providers after November 1, 2001. The registration of any practicum provider registered with the commission on November 1, 2001 is valid through and expires on June 30, 2002.

(b) The practicum provider shall ensure that all students admitted to the program can complete the 300-hour practicum before the program closes.

(c) The practicum provider shall maintain compliance with the standards for practicum provider described in §150.73 of this title (relating to Practicum Provider Standards) as published on January 1, 2000.

(d) The practicum provider shall notify the commission in writing within 30 days of any changes from the information submitted on the initial or renewal application. This includes:

(1) closure of the practicum program;

(2) addition of a new practicum site; or

(3) a change in the organization's name.

(e) The commission may withdraw approval if the practicum providers fail to comply with all applicable commission rules.

§150.53.Clinical Training Institution (CTI) Registration.

(a) To become a registered clinical training institution (CTI), an organization shall:

(1) provide activities in an array of the KSA domains, including assessment and counseling;

(2) serve a predominantly substance-abusing population;

(3) be in good standing with applicable licensing and regulatory agencies;

(4) agree to comply with applicable rules in this chapter; and

(5) submit a complete application.

(b) A complete application includes:

(1) application form supplied by the commission; and

(2) reading assignments and training activities including material in each KSA domain.

(c) The program shall receive the registration letter and training program number before training begins. Approval allows the organization to provide clinical training at any of its programs or sites with relevant services.

(d) The approval is valid for two years. The CTI shall reapply every two years by submitting a completed application form. The commission may mail a courtesy notice, but it is the program's responsibility to reapply at least 45 days before the expiration date.

(e) The CTI shall notify the commission in writing within 30 days of any changes from the information submitted on the initial or renewal application. This includes:

(1) a change in the CTI coordinator;

(2) a change in the organization's name or mailing address; and

(3) closure of the training program.

(f) The commission may withdraw approval if the CTI fails to comply with all applicable commission rules.

§150.54.Clinical Training Institution (CTI) Standards.

(a) The training program shall appoint a single training coordinator who is a qualified credentialed counselor (QCC). The training coordinator shall oversee all training activities and ensure compliance with commission requirements and rules.

(b) The clinical training institution (CTI) shall establish admission criteria. No applicant shall be admitted without:

(1) documentation that the applicant is registered with the commission; and

(2) a signed ethics agreement which is consistent with the LCDC Ethical Standards in §150.42 of this title (relating to Ethical Standards).

(c) The CTI shall establish the following level system to classify interns according to hours of supervised work experience:

(1) Level I: 0-1,000 hours of work experience;

(2) Level II: 1,001-2,000 hours of work experience;

(3) Level III: 2,001-4,000 hours of work experience; and

(4) Graduate Status: over 4,000 hours of work experience.

(d) The CTI shall accommodate interns at all levels of experience and shall not deny admission to an applicant based on the person's level of experience. The CTI shall designate each intern's level in writing and provide the intern with a copy of the documentation.

(e) All interns must be under the direct supervision of a QCC as described in §150.55 of this title (related to Direct Supervision of Interns).

(f) The CTI shall provide each Level I, II, and III intern with reading assignments and training activities for the supervised work experience that includes material in each KSA domain.

(g) The CTI shall use the commission's KSA evaluation tool to structure the intern's 4,000 hours of supervised work experience.

(1) The clinical supervisor and the intern shall set weekly objectives based on areas that targeted for improvement.

(2) The supervisor shall provide reading, computer, and/or video assignments that address areas needing improvement. The CTI shall allow the intern two hours per month to complete these assignments.

(3) The clinical supervisor shall monitor the intern's progress and provide verbal and written feedback during weekly supervision meetings.

(4) The intern shall complete a written KSA self-evaluation during the first 50 hours of work experience.

(5) The clinical supervisor and the intern shall complete and discuss a written KSA evaluation at the completion of each level of experience (after 1,000 hours, 2,000 hours, and 4,000 hours).

(h) The CTI shall not allow a Level I, II, or III intern to accrue more than 40 hours of work experience per week.

(i) A person who has completed the 4,000 hours of supervised work experience and is currently eligible to take or retake the examination is a graduate intern and may continue to provide chemical dependency counseling services at a registered clinical training institution during the five-year registration period.

(j) The CTI coordinator shall send the following documents directly to the commission and provide the intern with copies within ten working days from the date the intern completes the required 4,000 hours or leaves the agency:

(1) the Supervised Work Experience form signed by the CTI Coordinator; and

(2) a copy of the intern's job description showing job responsibilities within the KSAs.

(k) All activities counted towards the intern's supervised work experience shall be within the scope of chemical dependency counseling service as defined by the KSAs.

(l) The CTI shall not approve hours for which the intern fails to complete related activities and supervision assignments. Any failure to complete assignments shall be documented on the weekly supervision form.

(m) The CTI shall give each student the commission's Student CTI Assessment Form with instructions to complete the assessment and mail it directly to the commission's counselor licensure department.

(n) The CTI shall use all forms mandated by the commission.

(o) The CTI shall ensure that each clinical supervisor obtains three hours of continuing education in clinical supervision every two years.

(p) The CTI shall inform students of testing requirements and procedures, as well as testing schedules and information provided by the commission.

(q) The CTI shall ensure that interns designate their status by using "intern" or "CI" when signing client record entries.

(r) The CTI shall maintain the following documentation for four years:

(1) documentation of supervised work experience reading assignments and training activities;

(2) verification of current credentials of all training personnel;

(3) documentation of supervisor continuing education; and

(4) student files, which shall include:

(A) letter of registration;

(B) ethics agreement signed by the student;

(C) copies of KSA evaluations;

(D) documentation of all supervision activities;

(E) documentation of intern levels and accumulated hours; and

(F) copy of the Supervised Work Experience Form.

(s) The CTI shall give the student a copy of all information contained in the intern file when the intern completes the required supervised work experience and/or leaves the agency.

(t) The CTI shall ensure that interns admitted to the program before November 1, 2001 apply for registration with the commission as required by §150.21 of this title (relating to Requirements for Licensure by Examination)

§150.55.Direct Supervision of Interns.

(a) Direct supervision is oversight and direction of a counselor intern provided by a qualified credentialed counselor (QCC) that complies with the provisions in this section.

(b) If the intern has less than 2,000 hours of supervised work experience, the supervisor must be on site when the intern is providing services. If the intern has at least 2,000 hours of documented supervised work experience, the supervisor may be on site or immediately accessible by telephone.

(c) During an intern's first 1,000 hours of supervised work experience (Level I), the CTI coordinator or QCC shall:

(1) be on duty at the program site where the intern is working;

(2) observe and document the intern performing assigned activities at least once every two weeks (or 80 hours);

(3) provide and document one hour of face-to-face individual or group supervision each week; and

(4) sign off on all clinical assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries completed by the intern.

(d) During an intern's second 1,000 hours of supervised work experience (Level II), the CTI coordinator or designee shall:

(1) be on duty at the program site where the intern is working;

(2) observe and document the intern performing assigned activities at least once every month (160 hours);

(3) provide and document one hour of face-to-face individual or group supervision each week; and

(4) sign off on all clinical assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries completed by the intern.

(e) During an intern's last 2,000 hours of required supervised work experience (Level III), the CTI coordinator or designee shall:

(1) be available by phone while the intern is working;

(2) observe and document the intern performing assigned activities as determined necessary by the CTI coordinator;

(3) provide and document one hour of face-to-face individual or group supervision each week; and

(4) sign off on all clinical assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries completed by the intern.

(f) After an intern achieves graduate status, the CTI coordinator or designee shall:

(1) be available by phone while the graduate intern is working;

(2) provide and document one hours of face-to-face individual or group supervision each week; and

(3) sign off on all clinical assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries completed by the graduate intern.

(g) A supervisor's schedule must allow an average of two hours of supervision-related activity per week per intern.

§150.56.Intern Violations.

(a) The CTI shall investigate all allegations that an intern has violated the ethical standards described in §150.42 of this title (relating to Ethical Standards).

(b) If the allegation is substantiated, the CTI shall take appropriate action. Action may include denying some or all of the intern's supervised work experience hours.

(c) The CTI shall submit a written report to the commission within 48 hours of substantiating that an intern has:

(1) abused, neglected, or exploited a service recipient;

(2) committed an ethical violation that results in actual or potential harm to a service recipient;

(3) engaged in illegal activity;

(4) falsified or destroyed documentation; or

(5) established a close personal or business relationship with a client outside the counseling relationship.

(d) The CTI shall deny all supervised work experience hours for an intern with a substantiated ethical violation described in subsection (c) of this section.

§150.61.Continuing Education Provider Registration.

(a) To become a registered Continuing Education Provider (CEP), an organization shall be in good standing with applicable licensing and regulatory authorities and submit:

(1) a completed application form;

(2) procedures for verifying and documenting attendance;

(3) copy of the course description as described in §150.62 of this title (relating to Continuing Education Provider standards) for each course to be offered; and

(4) the continuing education provider fee established in §150.14 of this title (relating to Fees).

(b) A provider shall not offer, advertise, or provide training for continuing education credit before receiving the letter of registration and CEP number from the commission.

(c) Each continuing education course shall be approved in writing by the commission before it is offered, advertised, or delivered.

(1) To obtain approval for additional courses, the CEP shall submit a copy of the course description described in §150.62 of this title. Approval may take up to 45 days.

(2) All substantial changes to an approved course shall be approved in writing by the commission.

(d) Registration allows the organization to provide approved courses at any appropriate location and time.

(e) The CEP shall not state or imply that a course is provided or sponsored by the commission.

(f) The registration is valid for two years. The CEP shall reapply every two years by submitting the application provided by the commission. The commission may mail a courtesy notice, but it is the CEP's responsibility to reapply at least 45 days before the expiration date.

(g) Approval for individual courses expires upon expiration of the CEP registration.

(h) The CEP shall notify the commission in writing within 30 days of any changes from the information submitted on the initial or renewal application. This includes:

(1) a change in the CEP coordinator;

(2) a change in the organization's name or address; or

(3) closure of the continuing education program.

(i) The commission may withdraw approval if the CEP fails to comply with all applicable commission rules.

§150.62.Continuing Education Provider Standards.

(a) The CE hours shall consist only of material directly related to the skills and knowledge defined in the KSAs.

(b) The Continuing Education Provider (CEP) shall develop a description for each course that includes:

(1) course objectives that reference the KSAs;

(2) course content;

(3) teaching methods to be used; and

(4) number of continuing education hours.

(c) Courses shall be taught by qualified instructors with appropriate knowledge in the subject matter. Qualified instructors include:

(1) qualified credentialed counselors;

(2) individuals with at least a master's degree in the subject;

(3) individuals who are licensed, registered, or certified in the subject area; and

(4) individuals with documented education and experience generally recognized as providing expertise in the subject.

(d) Each credit hour of continuing education shall include at least 50 minutes of instruction time.

(e) The CEP shall implement procedures to verify attendance and ensure that no participant receives credit for time not actually spent attending the program.

(f) The CEP shall provide a certificate of attendance to each participant who completes the course that includes:

(1) name of the CEP and the provider number;

(2) course title;

(3) KSA domains addressed in the course;

(4) number of CE credit hours;

(5) name and license number of the participant;

(6) date and location of the program; and

(7) signature of the CEP coordinator.

(g) Each course shall include a mechanism for evaluation of the program by participants. The CEP and instructor shall review the evaluation results and revise subsequent programs accordingly.

(h) The CEP shall keep the following records for each course at least four years:

(1) letter of course approval from the commission;

(2) course description;

(3) handouts;

(4) the pre- and post- tests;

(5) participant sign in sheets;

(6) participant evaluations; and

(7) a copy of the certificate of attendance.

(i) Complaints regarding a CEP may be submitted to the Commission in writing. Instructions for submitting a complaint to the commission, including the commission's current address and toll-free number, shall be included on all course advertisements and in a program handout.

(j) The following standards apply to independent study or guided learning courses.

(1) The course must be faculty or instructor-guided and monitored and structured so students have access to faculty or instructors for questions and assistance in the completion of such course work.

(2) The course must include a pre-test and a post-test.

(3) Certificates of completion must indicate that the course was a distance learning experience.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 31, 2001.

TRD-200104418

Karen Pettigrew

General Counsel

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 16, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6607