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Assembly Bill 2473 (AB 2473)

About the Bill

Assembly Bill 2473 (AB 2473), enacted in 2022, introduces updated standards for substance use disorder (SUD) counselors in California to enhance the quality of care for individuals facing substance use challenges. The bill mandates the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to define core competencies for both registered and certified SUD counselors, with full implementation slated for July 1, 2025.

Core Competency Requirements

AB 2473 specifies that the curriculum for SUD counselors must encompass the following key areas:​

  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM): Understanding the current DSM is essential for accurate assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions.
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria: Familiarity with ASAM criteria ensures appropriate patient placement and treatment planning.​
  • Cultural Competence: Emphasizing cultural humility and competence, including considerations for individuals with disabilities, to provide inclusive and effective treatment
  • Case Management: Skills in coordinating comprehensive care and services for clients.​
  • Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems: Proficiency in using EHR systems for accurate and confidential clinical documentation.​
  • Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT): Knowledge of MAT options to support recovery efforts.
  • Clinical Documentation​
  • Co-occurring Conditions: Understanding the interplay between substance use and mental health disorders.​
  • Confidentiality: Adherence to laws and ethical standards regarding client privacy.​
  • Law and Ethics: Awareness of relevant legal frameworks and ethical considerations in counseling practice.​
  • Professional Boundaries: Maintaining appropriate boundaries to ensure effective and ethical client relationships.
  • Delivery of Services​

These competencies are designed to align with national certification standards and examinations.

Educational Requirements

The bill stipulates that the educational hour requirements for registered SUD counselors must not be lower than those for certified peer support specialists. As of July 22, 2022, obtaining certification as a peer support specialist requires 80 hours of education. Therefore, registered SUD counselors are expected to meet or exceed these educational standards. ​

Timeline for Compliance

Newly registered SUD counselors are required to complete the specified core competencies within six months from the date of their registration. These education hours will count toward the total required for counselor certification. However, the implementation of these new requirements will not occur before July 1, 2025, as specified in the statute.

Exemptions

AB 2473 provides certain exemptions:​

  1. Existing Counselors: Counselors in good standing who registered with a state-approved certifying organization prior to July 1, 2025, are exempt from the new hour requirements.
  2. Advanced Degree Holders: Counselors in good standing with a master’s degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency requirements.​

“In good standing” refers to registrants with an active registration status without a history of revocation.​

Next Steps for Registrants

As the implementation date approaches, individuals seeking to become registered SUD counselors should:​

 

By proactively preparing for these changes, aspiring SUD counselors can ensure they meet the enhanced standards set forth by AB 2473, thereby contributing to the delivery of high-quality care to individuals with substance use disorders in California.

AB 2473 – AOD Counselor Educational Requirements

This draft Behavioral Health Information Notice (BHIN) from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) outlines new education requirements for Alcohol or Other Drug (AOD) counselors, in accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2473, effective January 1, 2026. It provides guidance for certifying organizations and counselor registrants.

Key Provisions

1. Core Competency Topics

Under AB 2473, new education requirements include mandated instruction in the following areas:

  1. The current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders;
  2. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and continuum of
    ASAM levels of care, or other similar criteria and standards as approved by the
    department;
  3. Utilizing cultural responsiveness, including for people with disabilities, and its
    implication for treatment;
  4. Case management/care coordination;
  5. Utilization of electronic health record systems;
  6. Knowledge of medication assisted treatment;
  7. Clinical documentation;
  8. Knowledge of co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions;
  9. Confidentiality;
  10. Knowledge of relevant law and ethics
  11. Professional boundaries; and
  12. Delivery of services in the behavioral health delivery system.

2. Education Hour Requirements

Group

Requirements

First-time registrants (after July 1, 2025)

Complete 80 hours of core competency education within 6 months. Must also complete 50 hours of AOD education annually.

Registrants before July 1, 2025

Must document core competency education by the time of initial certification.

Master’s degree holders (in psych, social work, MFT, counseling)

Exempt from the core competency requirement.

3. Terminology Updates

  • First-year registered counselor: Not yet renewed registration.
  • Registered counselor: Renewed registration at least once.

4. Registration and Renewal Procedures

  • Submission Timelines: Must apply at least 120 days before registration expiry.
  • Review Deadlines: Certifying organizations have 45 days to approve, deny, or mark applications incomplete.
  • Correction Window: Counselors have 30 days to respond to incomplete notices, with a 15-day review turnaround post-response.