North Dakota Board Proposes Rule Changes to Address Addiction Counselor Supervision Shortage

The North Dakota Administrative Rules Committee convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss significant updates proposed by the Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners aimed at addressing workforce challenges in the state. The meeting highlighted the board's efforts to revise existing rules, which have not been updated since 2017, to better align with current needs and standards in addiction counseling.

Chair Jeremy Train presented the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the quality and quantity of licensed addiction counselors in North Dakota. The board has engaged with various stakeholders since January 2024 to gather input on these revisions, which include updates to grammar and structure, as well as aligning the rules with the latest code of ethics from the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.

A key focus of the proposed changes is to address workforce shortages by modifying educational requirements for clinical supervisors. The previous rule mandated a master's degree for supervisors, which has become problematic due to the elimination of relevant master's programs at local universities. By reverting to prior standards, the board anticipates a potential doubling of available supervisors, thereby improving training opportunities for new counselors.

Additionally, the board is seeking to clarify the definition of training sites by shifting the focus to levels of care, which will provide clearer guidelines for trainees. The proposed revisions also include allowing flexibility in the examination process, permitting candidates to take alternative exams that are accepted in most other states.

The committee is set to meet again in December to finalize these updates, and members are encouraged to provide input on any challenges they face in the process. The proposed changes reflect a proactive approach to strengthening the addiction counseling workforce in North Dakota, ensuring that residents have access to quality care and support.