TITLE: Relating to exemptions to the licensing and regulation of chemical dependency counselors.

SUMMARY: Relating to exemptions to the licensing and regulation of chemical dependency counselors.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to exemptions to the licensing and regulation of chemical dependency counselors. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 504.002(b), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) This chapter does not apply to an activity or service of a person who: (1) is employed as a counselor by a federal institution and is providing chemical dependency counseling within the scope of the person's employment; (2) except as provided by Section 504.1515, is a student, intern, or trainee pursuing a supervised course of study in counseling at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or training institution, if the person: (A) is designated as a "counselor intern"; and (B) is engaging in the activity or providing the service as part of the course of study; (3) is not a resident of this state, if the person: (A) engages in the activity or provides the service in this state for not more than 30 days during any year; and (B) is authorized to engage in the activity or provide the service under the law of the state of the person's residence; (4) is a licensed physician, psychologist, professional counselor, or social worker; (5) is a religious leader of a congregation providing pastoral chemical dependency counseling within the scope of the person's duties; (6) is working for or providing counseling with a program exempt under Subchapter C, Chapter 464, Health and Safety Code; [or] (7) is a school counselor certified by the State Board for Educator Certification;or (8) is credentialed as a Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium and who provides chemical dependency counseling through a program or in a facility that receives funding from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.