South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 36 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR LICENSURE OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, ADDICTION COUNSELORS, AND PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL SPECIALISTS
Here’s a refreshed overview of South Carolina Code of Regulations – Chapter 36, governing licensure of professional counselors, marriage & family therapists, addiction counselors, and psycho-educational specialists (current through May 27, 2022) (scstatehouse.gov):
📘 Structure of Chapter 36
| Article | Topic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (§ 36‑01) | Definitions | Defines LPC, LMFT, LPC‑A, AC, LPES and key terms (law.cornell.edu). |
| 2 (§ 36‑02–03) | Board Officers & Meetings | Sets out board composition, officer roles, public meeting procedures . |
| 3 (§ 36‑04–15) | Licensing Provisions | Includes: - Counselor & Therapist Interns/Supervisors (LPC, LMFT) - Psycho-educational Specialists (education, supervised experience) - Addiction Counselor roles (associates, full, supervisors; hours & supervision) - Reactivations, Endorsements, Reinstatements after lapse . |
| 4 (§ 36‑16–17) | Continuing Education (CE) | - 40 h/2 years for LPCs, LMFTs, ACs (min. 34 h + 6 h ethics). - LPES licensees must complete 40 h CE (34 h subject‑specific + 6 h ethics) or 50 h if holding multiple credentials (split accordingly) . |
| 5 (§ 36‑18) | Fees | All non-refundable. Fees set in Ch 10‑33 and board’s LLR listings . |
| 6 (§ 36‑19–21) | Impaired Practitioners | Reporting suspected impairment, investigation, treatment programs, aftercare & consent provisions . |
| 7 (§ 36‑22–26) | Codes of Ethics | Profession‑specific codes: - LPCs (client welfare, boundaries, confidentiality) - LMFTs, ACs, LPES each have tailored codes . |
| 8 (§ 36‑27) | Standards for Supervision | Sets criteria for supervisor qualifications, documentation, supervision modalities . |
📝 Key Highlights
Licensing Requirements
Interns and associates must fulfill defined educational and supervision prerequisites.
Addiction Counselors:
Associate: CACREP-accredited education + exam + supervision plan before practice (law.justia.com, scstatehouse.gov).
Full license: 1,120 h supervised post-master’s work (1,000 direct client + 120 supervision; 60 must be individual) (scstatehouse.gov).
Supervisor: 3 years practice, current license, and either LPC‑S/LMFT‑S/CCS certification or supervision experience + graduate supervision coursework (law.cornell.edu).
Continuing Education
40 h every 2 years for LPC, LMFT, AC (≈17 CEh/year + 3 ethics/hr).
LPES: 40–50 h depending on multiple licenses, with emphasis on ethics and subject-specific hours .
Impaired Practitioners
Mandatory reporting for potential impairment (mental, physical, substance).
Treatment plans and aftercare required for return to practice (scstatehouse.gov).
Ethics
Professional Counselors (§ 36‑19):
Must avoid dual relationships, uphold confidentiality, withdraw when unfit, and refrain from sexual/intimate relationships with clients up to 2 years post-termination (law.justia.com).
Telehealth: LPCs delivering services electronically must ensure local resources, legal authority in client’s jurisdiction, and informed consent/security measures (telementalhealthtraining.com).
✅ Need More Detail?
I can drill down into specific areas such as:
Supervisor qualifications & ratios
Supervision documentation standards
Full text of ethical provisions (e.g., boundaries, confidentiality)
Impairment & disciplinary procedures
Licensure reactivation conditions
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