HB82

My name is Régent Champigny. I currently serve on the Board of Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals and will be its Chair effective January 29, 2025. I am licensed as an MLADC, LCMHC, and ADS. I am writing to express my concerns with certain aspects of HB82 as it pertains to the aforementioned board, specifically: 330C.5. Powers and Duties of the Board The proposal is to repeal II, "Have the authority to establish advisory committees in the areas identified in RSA 330-C:6." I suggest that II remain in the statute. Although members of the Board are considered "experts" in their particular field, they of course are not all-knowing. Additionally, given that Board members are full time employees in the field of alcohol and addiction counseling, there may be times where a committee would need to be established to review a particular topic more in depth, which would require some time. As the Board meets monthly, such committees would be more expeditious and would call upon licensees to share their knowledge on a particular matter. 330C:27 Disciplinary Action; Misconduct The current statute needs to remain so as to ensure the mental and physical well-being of the patients MLADCs, LADCs, and CRSWs provide services to. Though unfortunate, the issues listed in the statute do occur from time to time. As such, there needs to be disciplinary action in place. Retaining this statute is a reminder to licensees to maintain the ethics they subscribe to. 330C:33 Exemptions I suggest that (a) remain, "Qualified members of other professions or occupations, including without limitation those licensed by the board of mental health practice, the board of medicine, and the board of nursing who provide treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders within the authorized scope of practice of their profession or occupation and who do not represent themselves as "licensed alcohol and drug counselors," "master licensed alcohol and drug counselors," "licensed clinical supervisors" or "certified recovery support workers." My concern is if this is removed from the statute, then the above-listed professions could be held liable for referring a person with alcohol / drug use issues to treatment. Those in the medical profession who provide medical treatment (e.g. Suboxone), could be held liable. A person licensed by the board of mental health can provide alcohol and drug counseling if they choose to do so as it is indeed within their scope of practice, though most refer their patients to an MLADC or LADC, recognizing their specialty. Removing this statute may be a disincentive to the above-listed professions in providing assistance to persons in need of alcohol and/or drug abuse counseling,

Position recorded without written comment.