Division of Professional Licensing Amendments

HB 531 updates Utah's licensing requirements for substance use disorder counselors, directly affecting individuals seeking to become master addiction counselors, associate master addiction counselors, or advanced substance use disorder counselors. The bill modifies education, training, and experience standards, requiring specific degrees (like a master's in substance use disorders), 1,200 hours of direct client care (with at least 100 hours under direct clinical supervision), and two hours of approved suicide prevention training. It also allows applicants to use current national certifications (such as from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals) to meet some requirements instead of completing state-specific steps. The changes take effect on May 7, 2025.