Chapter B2 – Article 20. Behavioral Health Aide and Practitioner Training, Practicum, Experience, and Supervision

Sec. B2.20.100. Behavioral Health Aide I Training, Practicum, and Experience Requirements.

A person meets the training and education, practicum, and experience requirements to be a certified BHA I upon successful completion of the requirements set forth in subsections (a) [BHA I specialized training program], (b) [BHA I practicum], and (c) [BHA I work experience].

1. BHA I Specialized Training Program. The specialized BHA I training program is comprised of Board approved courses, or their equivalent, that satisfy the requirements of sections:
   1. 10.100 [general orientation];
   2. 10.105 [orientation to behavioral health services];
   3. 10.110 [ethics, consent, confidentiality, and privacy];
   4. 10.115 [human development];
   5. 10.120 [introduction to behavioral health concerns];
   6. 10.125 [introduction to counseling];
   7. 10.130 [introduction to documentation];
   8. 10.135 [introduction to case management];
   9. 10.140 [working with diverse populations];
   10. 10.145 [introduction to group counseling];
   11. 10.150 [crisis intervention];
   12. 10.155 [HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases];
   13. 10.160 [community approach to prevention];
   14. 10.165 [family systems I]; and
   15. 10.170 [maintaining health, wellness and balance].
2. BHA I Practicum. After completion of the training listed in subsection (a) [BHA I specialized training program], the applicant must additionally complete a 100 hour clinical practicum under the direct supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or behavioral health professional. The applicant must satisfactorily perform each of the following:
   1. no fewer than 25 hours of providing client orientation to services including screening and initial intake, with appropriate case documentation;
   2. no fewer than 25 hours of providing case management and referral with appropriate case documentation;
   3. no fewer than 35 hours of providing village-based community education, prevention, and early intervention services with appropriate case documentation; and
   4. the balance of the hours must be related to practicum components listed in subsections (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this section.
3. BHA I Work Experience.
   1. Minimum Experience. Except as provided in subsection (2) [exceptions and substitutions], prior to being certified as a BHA I, a person, who seeks certification must have provided village-based behavioral health services for no fewer than 1,000 cumulative hours under the direct supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or behavioral health professional as outlined in section B2.10.110 [clinical supervision requirement of BHA I].
   2. Exceptions and Substitutions. An applicant who demonstrates that they satisfy the applicable requirements of section B2.30.010 [BHA/P knowledge, skills, and scope of practice] and has the capacity to provide culturally appropriate services in a village setting and has work experience that aligns with the BHA I scope of practice requirement under subsection (c)(1) [minimum experience] may substitute relevant work experience on an hour for hour basis.

Sec. B2.20.110. Clinical Supervision Requirement for Behavioral Health Aide I.

1. Except as provided in section 10.100(b) [levels of supervision], a BHA I requires the direct supervision by a licensed behavioral health clinician or a behavioral health professional when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of sections:
   1. 30.100 [working with others];
   2. 30.105 [cultural competency and individualizing care];
   3. 30.110 [professional and ethical practice];
   4. 30.115 [documenting];
   5. 30.120 [community education and advocacy];
   6. 30.125 [screening and assessment];
   7. 30.130 [planning services];
   8. 30.135 [linking to community resources];
   9. 30.140 [providing services] (b)(1) care coordination; (b)(2) medication management; (b)(3) individual counseling; (b)(4) crisis management; and
   10. 30.145 [professional development].

Sec. B2.20.200. Behavioral Health Aide II Training, Practicum, and Experience Requirements.

A person meets the training and education, practicum, and experience requirements to be a certified BHA II upon successful completion of the requirements set forth in subsections (a) [prerequisites], (b) [BHA II specialized training program], (c) [BHA II practicum], and (d) [BHA II work experience].

1. A BHA II must satisfy all requirements applicable to a:
   1. 20.100 [BHA I training, practicum, and experience requirements], and
   2. 20.500 [BHA/P knowledge, skills, and scope of practice].
2. BHA II Specialized Training Program. The BHA II specialized training program is comprised of Board approved courses, or their equivalent, that satisfy the requirements of sections:
   1. 10.200 [psychophysiology and behavioral health];
   2. 10.205 [introduction to co-occurring disorders];
   3. 10.210 [tobacco use and treatment];
   4. 10.215 [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual practice application];
   5. 10.220 [advanced interviewing skills];
   6. 10.225 [American Society of Addiction Medicine patient placement criteria practice application];
   7. 10.230 [case studies and applied case management];
   8. 10.235 [traditional health based practices];
   9. 10.240 [intermediate therapeutic group counseling];
   10. 10.245 [applied crisis management];
   11. 10.250 [community needs and action];
   12. 10.255 [family systems II]; and
   13. 10.260 [behavioral health documentation].
3. BHA II Practicum. After meeting the requirements of subsections (a) [prerequisites] and (b) [BHA II specialized training], the applicant must additionally complete a 100 hour clinical practicum under the direct supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or behavioral health professional. The applicant must satisfactorily perform each of the following:
   1. no fewer than 35 hours of providing client substance use assessment and treatment planning using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and American Society of Addiction Medicine patient placement criteria with appropriate case documentation;
   2. no fewer than 30 hours of providing rehabilitative services (e.g., comprehensive community support services or therapeutic behavioral health service) with appropriate case documentation;
   3. no fewer than 25 hours of providing community readiness evaluation and prevention plan development with appropriate case documentation; and
   4. the balance of the hours must be related to practicum components listed in subsections (c)(1) through (c)(3) of this section.
4. BHA II Work Experience.
   1. Minimum Experience. Except as provided in subsection (2) [exceptions and substitutions], prior to being certified as a BHA II, a person, who seeks certification must have provided village-based behavioral health services for no fewer than 2,000 cumulative hours under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or behavioral health professional as outlined in section B2.20.210 [clinical supervision requirement for BHA II].
   2. Exceptions and Substitutions. An applicant who demonstrates that they satisfy the applicable requirements of section B2.30.010 [BHA/P knowledge, skills, and scope of practice], and has the capacity to provide culturally appropriate services in a village setting and has work experience that aligns with the BHA II scope of practice requirement under subsection (d)(1) [minimum experience] may substitute relevant on an hour for hour basis.

Sec. B2.20.210. Clinical Supervision Requirement for Behavioral Health Aide II.

Except as provided in section B2.10.100(b) [levels of supervision], a BHA II requires supervision by a licensed behavioral health clinician or a behavioral health professional, as provided below:

1. direct supervision when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of sections:
   1. 30.105 [cultural competency and individualizing care];
   2. 30.110 [professional and ethical practice];
   3. 30.115 [documenting];
   4. 30.125 [screening and assessment];
   5. 30.130 [planning services];
   6. 30.140 [providing services]; (b)(1) care coordination; (b)(2) medication management; (b)(3) individual counseling; (b)(4) crisis management; (b)(5) family counseling; (b)(6) group counseling;
   7. 30.145 [professional development]; and
2. indirect supervision when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of sections:
   1. 30.100 [working with others];
   2. 30.120 [community education and advocacy]; and
   3. 30.135 [linking to community resources].

Sec. B2.20.300. Behavioral Health Aide III Training, Practicum, and Experience Requirements.

A person meets the training and education, practicum, and experience requirements to be a certified BHA III upon successful completion of the requirements set forth in subsections (a) [prerequisites], (b) [BHA III specialized training program], (c) [BHA III practicum], and (d) [BHA III work experience].

1. A BHA III must satisfy all requirements applicable to a:
   1. 20.100 [BHA I training, practicum, and experience requirements];
   2. 20.200 [BHA II training, practicum, and experience requirements]; and
   3. 30.010 [BHA/P knowledge, skills, and scope of practice].
2. BHA III Specialized Training Program. The BHA III specialized training program is comprised of Board approved courses, or their equivalent, that satisfy the requirements of sections:
   1. 10.300 [treatment of co-occurring disorders];
   2. 10.305 [advanced behavioral health clinical care];
   3. 10.310 [documentation and quality assurance];
   4. 10.315 [applied case studies in Alaska Native culture based issues];
   5. 10.320 [behavioral health clinical team building];
   6. 10.325 [introduction to supervision]; and
   7. 10.330 [child development].
3. BHA III Practicum. After meeting the requirements of subsections (a) [prerequisites] and (b) [BHA III specialized training], the applicant must additionally complete a 100 hour clinical practicum under the direct supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or behavioral health professional. The applicant must satisfactorily perform each of the following components:
   1. no fewer than 45 hours of providing behavioral health clinical assessment activities, treatment planning, and rehabilitative services for clients with issues related to co-occurring disorders;
   2. no fewer than 20 hours of providing quality assurance case review with documentation of review activity;
   3. no fewer than 20 hours of providing clinical team leadership by leading clinical team case reviews; and
   4. the balance of the hours must be related to practicum components listed in subsections (c)(1) through (c)(3) of this section.
4. BHA III Work Experience.
   1. Minimum Experience. Except as provided in paragraph (2) [exceptions and substitutions] of this subsection, prior to being certified as a BHA III, a person, who seeks certification must have provided village-based behavioral health services for no fewer than 4,000 cumulative hours under the direct, indirect, or general supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or behavioral health professional, as outlined in section B2.20.310 [clinical supervision requirement for BHA III].
   2. Exceptions and Substitutions. An applicant who demonstrates that they satisfy the applicable requirements of section B2.30.010 [BHA/P knowledge, skills, and scope of practice], and has the capacity to provide culturally appropriate services in a village setting and has work experience that aligns with the BHA III scope of practice requirement under subsection (d)(1) [minimum experience] may substitute relevant work experience on an hour for hour basis.

Sec. B2.20.310. Clinical Supervision Requirement for Behavioral Health Aide III.

Except as provided in section B2.10.100(b) [levels of supervision], a certified BHA III requires supervision by a licensed behavioral health clinician or a behavioral health professional, as provided below:

1. direct supervision when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of section:
   1. 30.140 [providing services] (b)(4) [crisis management]; (b)(5) family counseling;
2. indirect supervision when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of sections:
   1. 30.105 [cultural competency and individualizing care];
   2. 30.110 [professional and ethical practice];
   3. 30.115 [documenting];
   4. 30.125 [screening and assessment];
   5. 30.130 [planning services];
   6. 30.140 [providing services]; (b)(1) care coordination; (b)(2) medication management; (b)(3) individual counseling; (b)(6) group counseling;
   7. 30.145 [professional development];
3. general supervision when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of sections:
   1. 30.100 [working with others];
   2. 30.120 [community education and advocacy]; and
   3. 30.135 [linking to community resources.].

Sec. B2.20.400. Behavioral Health Practitioner Training, Practicum, and Experience Requirements.

A person meets the training and education, practicum and experience requirements to be a certified BHP upon successful completion of the requirements set forth in subsections (a) [prerequisites], (b) [BHP specialized training program], (c) [BHP practicum], and (d) [BHP work experience].

1. A BHP must satisfy all requirements applicable to a:
   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]; and
   4. 30.010 [BHA/P knowledge, skills, and scope of practice].
2. BHP Specialized Training Program. The BHP specialized training program is comprised of Board approved courses, or their equivalent, that satisfy the requirements of sections:
   1. 10.400 [village-based behavioral health services];
   2. 10.405 [challenges in behavioral health services];
   3. 10.410 [competencies for village-based supervision];
   4. 10.415 [principles and practice of clinical supervision]; and
   5. 10.420 [child-centered interventions].
3. BHP Practicum. After meeting the requirements of subsections (a) [prerequisites] and (b) [BHP specialized training], the applicant must additionally complete a 100 hour clinical practicum under the direct supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or behavioral health professional. The individual must satisfactorily perform each of the following:
   1. no fewer than 20 hours engaging, mentoring, and supporting, as well as participating in supervision and evaluation of a BHA I, BHA II, or BHA III based on the understanding of the supervisee’s level of knowledge and skills, professional goals, and behavior;
   2. no fewer than 25 hours of providing clinical team leadership by leading clinical team case reviews;
   3. no fewer than 30 hours building cultural competence by learning about the Alaska Native cultural context and developing a wellness framework for this cultural context within which positive therapeutic relationships can be developed; and
   4. the balance of the hours may be related to practicum components listed in subsections (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of the section or provision of integrated clinical services or child/adolescent services.
4. BHP Work Experience.
   1. Minimum Experience. Except as provided in paragraph (2) [exceptions and substitutions] of this subsection, prior to being certified as a BHP, a person, who seeks certification must have provided village-based behavioral health services for no fewer than 6,000 cumulative hours under the direct, indirect, or general supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or behavioral health professional as outlined in section B2.20.410 [clinical supervision requirement for BHP].
   2. Exceptions and Substitutions. An applicant who demonstrates that they satisfy the applicable requirements of section B2.30.010 [BHA/P knowledge, skills, and scope of practice], and has the capacity to provide culturally appropriate services in a village setting and has work experience that aligns with the BHP scope of practice requirement under subsection (d)(1) [minimum experience] may substitute relevant on an hour for hour basis.

Sec. B2.40.410. Clinical Supervision Requirement for Behavioral Health Practitioner.

Except as provided in section B2.10.100 [supervision of BHA/Ps; levels of supervision], a certified BHP requires supervision by a licensed behavioral health clinician or a behavioral health professional, as provided below:

1. direct supervision when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of section B2.30.140(b)(4) [providing services; crisis management];
2. indirect supervision when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of sections:
   1. 30.110 [professional and ethical practice];
   2. 30.115 [documenting];
   3. 30.140 [providing services]; (b)(2) medication management; (b)(3) individual counseling (b)(6) group counseling;
   4. 30.145 [professional development];
3. general supervision when carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (b) [knowledge and skills] of sections:
   1. 30.100 [working with others];
   2. 30.105 [cultural competency and individualizing care];
   3. 30.120 [community education and advocacy];
   4. 30.125 [screening and assessment];
   5. 30.130 [planning services];
   6. 30.135 [linking to community resources.]; and
   7. 30.140(b)(1) [providing services; coordinating care].