Explore Your Path in Substance Use Disorder Counseling

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

1. Core Competency Topics

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

• • DSM (current edition)
  • ASAM Criteria
  • Cultural responsiveness (including disability inclusion)
  • Case management/care coordination
  • Electronic health record systems
  • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
  • Clinical documentation
  • Co-occurring disorders (mental health + SUD)
  • Confidentiality and ethics
  • Professional Boundaries
  • Behavioral health system navigation

2. Education Hour Requirements

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.

Step 1: Initial Registration

• When: Upon acceptance into a certification pathway
• What to Do: Submit all required documentation and fees to become a first-year registered counselor (RADT Trainee I).

Step 2: Complete 80 Hours of Core Competency Education

• Deadline: Within 6 months of initial registration
• Action:
• Enroll in and complete 80 hours of core competency education as defined in HSC section 11833(b).
• Use a certifying organization-approved education provider.
• You may also access DHCS-sponsored free courses until June 30, 2028.

Step 3: Receive Completion Notification from Certifying Organization

• Deadline: Within 45 days of completing the education
• Action:
• Certifying organization will send written notice verifying whether the 80 hours were completed.
• If incomplete, complete the missing hours before your 1-year registration expires.

Step 4: Prepare for Renewal Application

• When: Minimum of 120 days prior to registration expiration
• Action:
• Apply for registration renewal through your certifying organization.
• Include:
• Application fee
• Notification of completion of 80 hours (or documentation for missing hours)

Step 5: Certifying Organization Acknowledges Renewal Application

• Deadline: Within 7 days of receiving your application
• Action:
• Certifying organization will send a written confirmation that:
• Acknowledges receipt
• Provides timeline for review
• Includes contact information

Step 6: Receive Decision on Renewal

• Deadline: Within 45 days of receiving your renewal application
• Possible Outcomes:
1. Approved: You’ll receive a new registration notice valid for 1 year.
2. Denied: You’ll receive written reasons and instructions for appeal.
3. Incomplete: You’ll be told what’s missing.

Step 7: Respond if Incomplete

• Deadline: Within 30 days of receiving the incomplete notice
• Action:
• Submit the missing documentation.
• Certifying organization must respond within 15 days with a final decision:
• Approved
• Denied
• Still Incomplete

Step 8: Consequences if No Response

• • If you don’t respond within 30 days:
    • Your renewal review will be terminated.
    • You may submit a new application.

Scenario A: Haven’t Completed 315 AOD Education Hours Yet

• Requirement: 50 hours of AOD education for each annual renewal
• Topics Must Include: California Code of Regulations Title 9 §13040 (a)(1)-(5) or BHIN core competencies

Apply for a RADT Intern: Already Completed 315 Hours of AOD Education

• Requirement: 25 hours of continuing education (CE) for renewal
• Same approved topics and provider requirements apply

Sit for and pass the required certification exam to demonstrate your competency.