As used in the addiction counselor licensure act:

(a) “Addiction counseling” means the utilization of special skills to assist persons with addictions, and to assist such persons’ families and friends to achieve resolution of addiction through the exploration of the disease and its ramifications, the examination of attitudes and feelings, the consideration of alternative solutions and decision making, as these relate specifically to addiction. Evaluation and assessment, treatment including treatment plan development, crisis intervention, referral, record keeping and clinical consultation specifically related to addiction are within the scope of addiction counseling. Additionally, at the clinical level of licensure, addiction counseling includes independent practice and the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders.

(b) “Board” means the behavioral sciences regulatory board created under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 74-7501, and amendments thereto.

(c) “Extenuating circumstances” means any condition or situation caused by events beyond an individual’s control that is sufficiently extreme in nature to result in the:

(1) Individual’s inability to comply with requirements; or

(2) inadvisability of requiring the individual to comply with requirements.

(d) “Licensed addiction counselor” means a person who engages in the practice of addiction counseling limited to substance use disorders and who is licensed under this act. Such person shall engage in the practice of addiction counseling in a state-licensed or certified alcohol and other drug treatment program or in completing a Kansas domestic violence offender assessment for participants in a certified batterer intervention program pursuant to Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-7d01 through 75-7d13, and amendments thereto, unless otherwise exempt from licensure under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 59-29b46(n), and amendments thereto.

(e) “Licensed clinical addiction counselor” means a person who engages in the independent practice of addiction counseling and diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders specified in the edition of the American psychiatric association’s diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM) designated by the board by rules and regulations and is licensed under this act.

(f) “Licensed master’s addiction counselor” means a person who engages in the practice of addiction counseling limited to substance use disorders and who is licensed under the addiction counselor licensure act. Such person may diagnose substance use disorders only under the direction of a licensed clinical addiction counselor, a licensed psychologist, a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery or a person licensed to provide mental health services as an independent practitioner and whose licensure allows for the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse disorders or mental disorders.