Chapter B1 – Article 20. BHA Initial Qualifications

Sec. B1.20.100. BHA General Requirements.

The Board shall issue a behavioral health aide (BHA) or behavioral health practitioner (BHP) certificate to a person who:

1. applies on forms provided by the Board;
2. pays the application fees required;
3. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person has not engaged in conduct that is a ground for imposing disciplinary sanctions under chapter A-3 [investigations, discipline, suspension, or revocation]; and
4. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person has completed the training and education requirements for the highest level of certification being sought, as follows:
   1. 20.100 [BHA I training, practicum, and experience requirements];
   2. 20.200 [BHA II training, practicum, and experience requirements];
   3. 20.300 [BHA III training, practicum, and experience requirements]; or
   4. 20.400 [BHP training, practicum, and experience requirements];
5. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that at the time of consideration of the application the person is employed by the Indian Health Service or a tribe or tribal health organization operating a community health aide program in Alaska under the ISDEAA;
6. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person will practice as a behavioral health aide or behavioral health practitioner only when employed by the Indian Health Service or a tribe or tribal health organization operating a community health aide program in Alaska under the ISDEAA;
7. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person will practice as a behavioral health aide or practitioner only within the scope of practice, of the certifications granted to the person as specified in B2.30.010 [BHA/P knowledge, skills, and scope of practice] , except as required to satisfy the conditions for achieving the next level of certification or when practice would be permitted under section A3.10.030(i)(2)(D) [grounds for discipline; unprofessional conduct; duties and responsibilities];
8. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that:
   1. the person will practice only under supervision and day-to-day direction of individuals who are:
      1. familiar with the community health aide program, these Standards, and the BHAM; and
      2. employed by the federal government or employed by or under contract with a tribal health organization operating a community health aide program in Alaska under the ISDEAA; and
   2. provided that a behavioral health aide or practitioner may practice only under the direct, indirect, or general supervision required under section B2.10.100 [supervision of BHA/Ps]; and
   3. notwithstanding the requirements under paragraphs (h)(2), other physicians, dentists, advanced practice providers, licensed behavioral health clinicians, and behavioral health professionals or other independently-licensed qualified healthcare professionals designated by the referral doctor may direct the day-to-day activities of a behavioral health aide or behavioral health practitioner, as appropriate; and
9. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person meets continuing education requirements as defined in chapter B-3, [continuing education], as applicable.

Sec. B1.20.200. BHA Delayed Application.

An applicant for certification as a behavioral health aide or behavioral health practitioner who completed the required training more than 24 months prior to submitting an application for certification, must provide evidence satisfactory to the Board that they:

1. meet all the requirements for initial certification by this Board in article B1.20 [BHA initial qualifications];
2. in the 24-month period preceding the application for initial certification by this Board has met the applicable requirements for continuing education set forth in chapter B-3 [BHA continuing education]; and
3. has not had an extended clinical absence between the completion of required training and the initial application; or
4. if there has been an extended clinical absence between completion of basic training and the initial application, applicant has met the guidelines as set forth in requirements of B1.30.200 [BHA re-entry].