LAC 46:LXXX.701. Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

A. The ADRA shall recognize as an LAC each candidate who possesses requirements set forth in R.S. 37:3387, in addition to the following: 1. provides evidence of having satisfied the following requirements in education, direct clinical supervision, and work experience under direct supervision; a. Education i. A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The degree shall be in a human service or behavioral science discipline or such other discipline as the ADRA may deem appropriate. Official transcripts, including degree and date conferred, must be received by the ADRA office directly from the university. ii. Any person seeking to be recognized as an LAC who possesses a master’s degree in a discipline other than a human services or behavioral science discipline may apply to the ADRA for a degree substitution waiver. The ADRA may grant or deny the waiver on such terms, conditions, and requirements as are deemed appropriate and in the best interest of the public. iii. Documentation that verifies the successful completion of a minimum of 300 education hours with a minimum of 180 hours specific to addictive disorders, a minimum of six hours of professional ethics, and the remaining hours in counseling education. b. Direct clinical supervision i. Documentation that verifies the completion of 300 hours of direct clinical supervision provided face-to-face with a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) in the core competencies based on the 123 competencies in TAP 21. This supervision should take place at a rate of not less than one hour per week. This supervision must be documented and verified by the CCS providing the supervision. c. Work experience under direct supervision i. Documentation that verifies the successful completion of 2000 hours of supervised work experience in an agency or facility that regularly treats clients with diagnoses of addictive disorders. ii. This work experience may not exceed 2000 hours per year. iii. The supervision required herein must be attested to by a licensed mental health provider, CAC, RAC, or designated facility administrator. iv. Unsupervised work experience will not be considered. 2. Examination a. Provide documentation of professional competency in addictive disorder counseling by successfully completing the examination requirements established by the ADRA. B. Renewal 1. For an LAC credential to be considered for renewal; a. A completed renewal application approved by the ADRA must be filed prior to the expiration date; and b. Include proof that within two years prior to the expiration date, the LAC has completed a minimum of 48 hours of education from an approved educational provider (AEP) or an approved institute of higher education (AIHE) directly applicable to or related to addictive disorder counseling, which must include six hours in professional ethics. 2. In addition, the renewal applicant must: a. report any violations of the ADRA statute and rules and disciplinary action by any other credentialing board. b. report any changes in sobriety status, including relapse and recovery dates. c. report any felony arrests and felony convictions. d. report any changes in contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email address.