Advocacy Alert: Arkansas HB 1359 Referencing Licensure Boards

February 9, 2023

via AAADAC

The AAADAC (Arkansas Association of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors) sent out a note that there is pending legislation in the Arkansas House of Representatives that will have an impact on some of our members who are LAC/LPC; LAADC/LADC, LCSW's and Psychologists.

Arkansas House Bill (HB) 1359 will eliminate the following Licensure Boards:

• Arkansas Board of Examiners in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
• Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling
• Arkansas Psychology Board
• Arkansas Licensing Board for Social Workers

If this legislation passes, these boards will be replaced with a new consolidated Arkansas State Board of Mental Health Professionals. For ADCs/AADC's/CIT's/Peers, this bill does not affect the IC&RC Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB).

They sent out an update that the vote to advance from committee (originally scheduled for today) has been postponed and there will be a public meeting Wednesday, February 15, at 10:00 am Central in Room 151 at the State Capital. There is also a new proposed amendment, which you can read here. Note: The date of the meeting has changed to December 15, 2023.

We encourage our members in Arkansas to contact your respective state representative and/or senator to provide comment on this proposed legislation and your position on it.

A reminder that we have a tool for looking up who your elected representatives are across the United States. Free to use regardless of membership, check out our Find Your Rep Tool.

Questions? Concerns?

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