Advocacy

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?

As always, we want your input. What topics would you like to see us cover in future Advocacy Alerts? If you are a representative of a state association and have something for us to consider for an Advocacy Alert, let us know!

Did you know NBHAP members get regular access to our advocate in Washington, DC? If you have any questions about NBHAP's advocacy efforts, please contact us.

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