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March 14, 2026 Clouds | 45°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  1. General Laws
  2. Part I ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
  3. Title XVI PUBLIC HEALTH
  4. Chapter 111J ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELORS; RECOVERY COACHES
  5. Section 1 Definitions

Section 1

Section 1: Definitions

Section 1. As used in this chapter, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:

''Applicant'', an individual seeking licensure under this chapter.

''Approved continuing education'', continuing education approved by the department, including research and training programs, college and university courses, in-service training programs, seminars and conferences, designed to maintain and enhance the skills of licensees.

''Approved program'', a program approved by the department for the education and training of applicants.

''Approved recovery coach supervisor'', a licensed recovery coach who has completed recovery coach supervision training that has been approved by the department.

''Approved work experience'', supervised work experience, approved by the department, in the practice area for which an applicant seeks licensure.

''Department'', the department of public health.

''Licensee'', an individual who is licensed under this chapter.

''Licensed alcohol and drug counselor I'', a person licensed by the department to conduct an independent practice of alcohol and drug counseling and to provide supervision to other alcohol and drug counselors; provided, however, that a licensed alcohol and drug counselor I shall have: (i) received a master's or doctoral degree in behavioral sciences, which included a supervised counseling practicum that meets the requirements established by the department or such equivalent educational credits as may be established by the department; (ii) not less than 3 years of approved work experience; and (iii) passed a licensing examination approved by the department.

''Licensed alcohol and drug counselor II'', a person licensed by the department to practice alcohol and drug counseling under clinical supervision; provided, however, that a licensed alcohol and drug counselor II shall have: (i) completed an approved program of education, which included a supervised counseling practicum that meets the requirements established by the department or such equivalent educational credits as may be established by the department; (ii) not less than 3 years of approved work experience; and (iii) passed a licensing examination approved by the department.

''Licensed recovery coach'', a person with lived experience who is licensed by the department to practice recovery coaching using shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment to help others become and stay engaged in the process of recovery from a substance use disorder; provided, however, that a licensed recovery coach shall: (i) have completed an approved program of education, including approved work experience that meets the requirements established by the department; (ii) demonstrate not less than 2 years of sustained recovery; and (iii) have met all education, training and experience requirements and qualifications as established by the department.

''Lived experience'', the experience of addiction and recovery from a substance use disorder.