Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Latest Batch of Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board Rules: What Providers Should Know

Client Alert

The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board recently released several new rules and proposed amendments to existing rules. A hearing for the new rules was held on February 16, 2024, but the Board has not yet finalized them.

A summary of the proposed rule changes is below. The biggest takeaway from this batch of new rules is that LCDC IIIs and LICDCs can now provide clinical supervision while they are unsupervised.

Scope of practice for licensed chemical dependency counselors III (LCDC III - OAC Rule 4758-6-04)

Under the new version of the rule, a chemical dependency counselor III (LCDC III) may provide substance use disorder counseling and diagnose substance use disorder conditions without supervision. Additionally, the amended rule removes the requirement that a LCDC III be under supervision when providing clinical supervision. Lastly, LCDC IIIs may perform family counseling in additional to individual and group counseling.

Scope of practice for licensed independent chemical dependency counselors (LICDC - OAC Rule 4758-6-05)

The new version of the rule removes the requirement that a LICDC be under supervision when providing clinical supervision. Additionally, an LICDC may perform family counseling in additional to individual and group counseling.

Scope of practice for chemical dependency counselors III (LCDC III) with gambling disorder endorsement (OAC Rule 4758-6-12)

Under the new version of the rule, an LCDC III with gambling disorder endorsement may perform family counseling in additional to individual and group counseling. Additionally, an LCDC III may supervise gambling disorder counseling without being supervised themselves.

Reciprocity with IC&RC jurisdictions (OAC Rule 4758-15-01)

The amended rule removes the language that (1) individuals holding a LCDC II, LCDC III or LICDC are reciprocal with the IC&RC alcohol drug counselor (ADC) certification; (2) individuals holding a LICDC are reciprocal with the IC&RC clinical supervisor (CS) certification; and (3) individuals holding an OCPS or OCPC are reciprocal with the IC&RC prevention specialist (PS) certification.

Under the new version of the rule, to be certified as an IC&RC alcohol drug counselor (ADC), an individual must:

  1. Submit an application and required non-refundable fee.
  2. Complete one hundred and twenty (120) hours of education specific to the ADC domains not used to obtain their original license. Previously, they had to complete 300 hours.
  3. Hold an active LCDC II, LCDC III, or LICDC. This is a new requirement under this rule.
  4. Complete four thousand hours of supervised work experience specific to the ADC domains not used to obtain their original license. Previously, they had to complete six thousand hours.

Further, to be certified as an IC&RC clinical supervisor (CS), an individual must:

  1. Submit an application and the required non-refundable fee.
  2. Hold an active LICDC-CS. This is a new requirement under this rule.
  3. Hold and maintain an IC&RC ADC certification at the IC&RC reciprocal level.
  4. Complete eight thousand hours of ADC counseling specific work experience not used to obtain original license. Previously, they had to complete ten thousand hours.

The new version of the rule further removes the requirements that (1) individuals must obtain thirty hours of education specific to the first five IC&RC clinical supervisor domains with a minimum of four hours in each and (2) individuals transferring to the state from a non-IC&RC jurisdiction may apply for and be issued a non-IC&RC reciprocal credential.

If you have questions about these proposed rules, please contact your local BMD Healthcare Member Daphne Kackloudis at dlkackloudis@bmdllc.com.


RNs and APRNs Take Note: Ohio Board of Nursing Mandates a New CE Reporting Period

Ohio’s Board of Nursing has updated the continuing education reporting period for RNs and APRNs. Beginning March 26, 2026, CE credits must be completed between July 1 and June 30 of odd-numbered years, replacing the previous November to October timeframe.

Ohio Med Spas: Peptide Do's and Do Not's

Recent guidance from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy outlines key compliance requirements for med spas using peptides. While some peptide drugs are FDA approved, others are not or cannot be compounded. Med spa operators should ensure they source medications from licensed suppliers, avoid non-approved or “research use only” products, and follow all compounding and storage regulations to maintain compliance and avoid enforcement actions.

Substance Use Disorder Providers: 42 CFR Part 2 Now Enforceable

Updates to 42 CFR Part 2 are now enforceable, bringing significant changes to how substance use disorder (SUD) records are handled. The Final Rule aligns Part 2 more closely with HIPAA, introduces updated penalties, allows a single patient consent for treatment, payment, and operations, and adds new requirements for Notices of Privacy Practices. It also creates a formal definition of SUD counseling notes and imposes strict consent requirements for their use and disclosure. Providers should review and update policies to ensure compliance.

AAA Introduces AI-Assisted Arbitrator for Certain Disputes

The American Arbitration Association has introduced an AI-assisted arbitration platform designed to streamline certain document-based disputes. While a human arbitrator still makes the final decision, the technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate case resolution. Companies should weigh these benefits against considerations such as transparency, risk, and contractual requirements before adopting AI-assisted arbitration.

Quiet Hours Texts and TCPA Claims: Consent Remains King as Courts Divide on Text Messages

Businesses face increasing TCPA lawsuits over off-hours marketing texts, but recent court decisions highlight strong defenses. Clear consumer consent and updated terms and conditions can defeat many claims, while a growing number of courts are finding that text messages are not “telephone calls” under the statute. Proactive compliance measures, including clickwrap agreements and forum-selection clauses, are critical to reducing risk.