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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.


Expanding Access to Care: Ohio’s Effort to Modernize APRN Practice Through Ohio SB 258 and HB 508

Ohio is moving to expand access to healthcare through Senate Bill 258 and House Bill 508, which would modernize APRN practice by removing the outdated requirement for a physician contract. This change would allow nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists to provide care more efficiently, especially in underserved areas, while maintaining high-quality, cost-effective care.

Cleveland Joins the Pay Transparency Movement: What Employers Need to Know

Beginning October 27, 2025, all Cleveland employers with 15 or more employees will be prohibited from asking applicants about their pay history and will be required to include reasonable pay ranges in all job postings where the position will be performed, solicited, considered, or processed in Cleveland. The ordinance is intended to help close the gender wage gap and promote greater pay equity across the city.

New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Petitions – Legal Immigration

President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) imposing a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 21, 2025 and will remain in place for 12 months (unless extended).

Implications of Supreme Court Stay for Business Operations in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo

On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily reinstated immigration officers’ authority to conduct brief stops based on factors such as location, work type, language, or appearance. This stay in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo allows enforcement actions to resume in California pending appeal. Employers in industries like construction, agriculture, landscaping, and day labor should prepare for increased worksite disruptions and review compliance protocols.

Ohio House Bill 429: Potential Relief for Providers Facing Same-Day Reimbursement Restrictions

Ohio House Bill 429 aims to prevent third-party payers from reducing provider reimbursement for multiple procedures performed on the same day. The bill could improve payment practices for a range of specialties, including surgery and gastroenterology.