2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104275D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1282

Offered January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 54.1-3507.01, relating to licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners; licensure by endorsement; licensure without examination.

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Patrons—Cole, J.G., Thornton and Willett

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Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 54.1-3507.01 as follows:

§ 54.1-3507.01. Licensure by endorsement of licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners.

A. The Board shall establish a pathway for licensure by endorsement as a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner for individuals who:

1. Have held certification as a certified substance abuse counselor for at least 10 years prior to the date of application and have actively practiced in the substance abuse treatment field during such period;

2. Have completed not less than five years of documented supervised experience under a professional counselor or licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner;

3. Hold at least a master's degree from an accredited institution in (i) mental health counseling, (ii) substance abuse counseling, or (iii) another counseling-related field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board; and

4. Hold the Master Addiction Counselor credential issued by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, either through examination or through an approved grandfathering process.

B. The Board shall grant licensure by endorsement as a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner to any applicant who satisfies all requirements of subsection A.