Emergency Rule Update Regarding Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern Requirements During the COVID-19 Pandemic

On April 10, 2022, HHSC adopted an emergency rule permitting licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC) interns with more than 1,000 hours of supervised work experience to provide services in person or through two-way, real-time internet or telephone communications, and qualified LCDC intern supervisors to provide supervision through two-way, real-time internet or telephone communications to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

HHSC notified providers of this emergency rule by issuing Guidance Letter 22-5000 on April 8, 2022. 

This emergency rule expires on August 7, 2022, and HHSC does not intend on extending the emergency rule beyond the expiration date. 

Once the emergency rule expires on August 7, 2022, all LCDC interns and LCDC intern supervisors utilizing this emergency rule must resume operations as required by Texas Administrative Code Title 25, Chapter 140, Subchapter I.

For questions or more information, please contact us by emailing HCR_PRU@hhs.texas.gov.