Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

About the Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Licensure Advisory Committee, created in 1996 by the State Legislature, was restructured effective January 1, 1998, as the Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors.  Its mission is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring those who practice as alcohol and drug abuse counselors within this state be qualified.  The Board interprets the laws, rules, and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct. The Board is responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules and is responsible for the discipline of licensees who are found guilty of such violations.

The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those who meet the requirements of the law and rules.  Renewal notices are mailed from Board’s administrative office approximately forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the license to the current address on record. For those licensees who have "opted in," an email will be sent to the email address on file approximately seventy (70) days prior to the expiration date of the license.  This is the only reminder a licensee shall receive. Licensees are responsible for renewing their license on time and keeping the Board apprised of current information. Licenses can be renewed on-line seventy (70) days prior to expiration at https://apps.tn.gov/hlrs/. Failure to renew by the expiration date may result in a fine. 

All members of the Board are appointed by the Governor to serve five (5) year terms.  The Board consists of five (5) members. Two (2) nationally certified master alcohol and drug abuse counselors and two (2) nationally certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors currently licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health, and one (1) consumer member who is not directly or indirectly engaged in the alcohol and drug abuse profession.  The Board meets four (4) times each year to review files for licensure by examination and reciprocity, administer oral examinations, and endorse training for continuing education hours required for licensure renewal.  A quorum of three (3) members is required to conduct business.  The meetings are open to the public.

Contact the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

To contact the Board, call 615-741-5735 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide
Unit1HRB.Health@tn.gov
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243