Rhode Island § 5-69-4 - License Procedure for Chemical Dependency Professionals

§ 5-69-4. Licensed chemical dependency professional/licensed chemical dependency supervisor privilege exemptions.

(a) No licensee under this chapter or an employee of a licensee may disclose any information acquired from clients or persons consulting with the licensee to render professional services except under provisions of the federal regulation 42 C.F.R. part 2.

(b) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the following individuals:

(1) Qualified members of other professions or occupations engaging in practices similar in nature to chemical dependency counseling; provided, that they are authorized by the laws of this state to engage in these practices and do not represent themselves as a “licensed chemical dependency professional” or “licensed chemical dependency clinical supervisor”;

(2) Students/counselors engaged in entry-level internships in a department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals licensed or an ICRC/AODA member board-approved facility; provided, that the students/counselors are practicing as part of supervised work or course of study and designated by such titles as “counselor intern,” “counselor,” or “chemical dependency professional student” or other titles clearly indicating training status;

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent members of the clergy, peer groups, or self-help groups from performing peer counseling or self-help activities that may be, wholly or in part, included as a defined professional service as cited in § 5-69-2; provided, that no members of peer groups or self-help groups may use a title stating or implying that they are a licensed chemical dependency professional or a licensed chemical dependency clinical supervisor unless licensed under the provisions of this chapter.