(1) Applicants for LAC licensure not currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction must submit a completed application on forms provided by the department. Completed applications include appropriate fees and required documentation.

(2) Applicants must meet the following education requirements:

(a) have a degree that meets the requirements in 37-35-202(2)(a) or (b), MCA. A "comparable" degree is defined in 37-35-202(9), MCA; and

(b) have completed 330 contact hours of training in addiction studies completed either in whole or in part of the degree in (a). If not all 330 required hours were completed as part of the degree, then the applicant can complete those outside of the degree in (a). The 330 hours must be in the following areas:

(i) minimum of 60 hours in chemical dependency assessment and patient placement (must include chemical dependency assessment, biopsychosocial testing, diagnosis, referrals, and patient placement);

(ii) minimum of 90 hours in counseling;

(iii) minimum of 30 hours in pharmacology (must include drug classification, effects, detoxification, and withdrawal);

(iv) minimum of 10 hours in ethics;

(v) minimum of 30 hours in alcohol and drug studies;

(vi) minimum of 30 hours in treatment planning and documentation;

(vii) minimum of 20 hours in multicultural competency which includes knowledge of and sensitivity to the cultural factors and needs of diverse populations and demonstrates competency in applying culturally relevant skills;

(viii) minimum of 30 hours in co-occurring disorders; and

(ix) minimum of 30 hours in gambling/gaming disorder assessment and counseling.

(3) In addition to the requirements in (1) and (2), applicants must:

(a) have completed a supervised work experience that meets the requirements in ARM 24.219.5008;

(b) have passed an examination as described in ARM 24.219.5020 within four years of the date of the application;

(c) have completed a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint background check per 37-35-202, MCA, within six months of the application date; and

(d) provide verification of any professional license(s) the applicant has ever held in any state or jurisdiction.

(4) Incomplete applications will automatically expire one year from the date the fee was received. If an application expires, the applicant must reapply and pay all appropriate fees.