Arkansas Code Title 17. Professions, Occupations, and Businesses § 17-27-402. Purpose

(a) It is the purpose and policy of the State of Arkansas to protect the public from being misled by incompetent and unauthorized persons and from unprofessional conduct on the part of qualified alcoholism and drug abuse counselors by providing regulatory authority over persons who hold themselves out to the public as licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselors under this subchapter.

(b) The purpose of this subchapter is to allow the State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors to establish appropriate licensure and certification requirements and define the practice of alcoholism and drug abuse counseling and to promote high standards of professional performance for those engaged in the practice of alcoholism and drug abuse counseling by setting standards of qualification, training, and experience for those who seek to engage in the practice of alcoholism and drug abuse counseling under this subchapter.