Sec. 10.26.02.07. Auricular Detoxification Specialist

A. Qualification. To qualify as an auricular detoxification aide, an applicant shall be certified or licensed as one of the following health care professionals who works directly with chemically dependent clients of a chemical dependency program in the counseling or treatment of those clients:

(1) A certified professional counselor-alcohol and drug;

(2) A certified associate counselor-alcohol and drug;

(3) A supervised counselor-alcohol and drug;

(4) A licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor;

(5) A licensed nurse;

(6) A licensed psychologist who works directly with chemically dependent clients of a chemical dependency program in the counseling or treatment of those clients; or

(7) A licensed certified social worker-clinical who works directly with the chemically dependent clients of a chemical dependency program in the counseling or treatment of those clients.

B. Registration. Before registering with the Board as an auricular detoxification specialist, an applicant shall:

(1) Provide documentation of successful completion of a training program that:

(a) Consists of a minimum 70-hour basic training of which 40 hours are clinical training which includes the following training and subject matter:

(i) At least 5 treatments during a 10-minute period with good point location and techniques;

(ii) The uses and limitations of the treatment;

(iii) Communal treatment effect and maintaining an appropriate atmosphere;

(iv) Clean needle technique;

(v) The limited scope of practice of auricular detoxification and other ethical principles;

(vi) The implications of the role of auricular acupuncture for addition in the larger addition treatment context;

(vii) Preparation of written chart notes regarding status, treatment given, and patient response;

(viii) Adjunctive nature of auricular acupuncture for addiction and the importance of collaboration and communication with the treatment team;

(ix) The psycho-spiritual nature of recovery and the ability to respect and support the client's individual beliefs and cognitive process;

(x) Methods to modify treatment appropriately and to respond to adverse clinical situations should they occur;

(xi) Sensitivity, compassion, and respect for clients; and

(xii) Understanding of addictions from the perspective of basic concepts of Chinese medicine; or

(b) Is approved by the Board;

(2) Complete an application provided by the Board;

(3) Provide the name and address of the acupuncturist licensed by the State who shall supervise the applicant;

(4) Provide verification of licensure from the appropriate Health Occupations Board;

(5) Work within a Board-approved professional setting; and

(6) Pay the registration fee in COMAR 10.26.01.

C. The Board may approve a Maryland licensed acupuncturist for supervision of an individual registered to perform auricular detoxification if the licensee:

(1) Holds a valid license to practice acupuncture in Maryland;

(2) Has completed a training program in auricular detoxification as set forth in §B of this regulation; and

(3) Submits to the Board a completed application provided by the Board.

D. Supervisor Responsibilities. A supervisor shall ensure that:

(1) Auricular detoxification specialists are sufficiently competent in the areas listed in §B(1) of this regulation;

(2) The supervised auricular detoxification specialist and the Board are notified if the supervisor cannot or is unwilling to fill the role of supervisor; and

(3) An on-site visit with the auricular detoxification specialist occurs at least once annually before renewal.

E. Renewal of Registration.

(1) At least 1 month before a registration expires, the Board shall send a renewal notice to an auricular detoxification specialist that states:

(a) The date the current registration expires;

(b) The date a renewal application is to be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the registration expires; and

(c) The amount of the renewal fee.

(2) Before a registration expires, an individual registered to perform auricular detoxification may renew registration if the individual submits:

(a) A completed renewal application on the form required by the Board; and

(b) Verification from the appropriate Health Occupation Board under §A(1) of this regulation, that confirms that the individual has a current certification or license in good standing; and

(c) The renewal fee specified in COMAR 10.26.01.

(3) An individual registered to perform auricular detoxification shall maintain a current address and telephone number with the Board.

F. Reinstatement of Expired Registration. An auricular detoxification specialist holding an expired registration may apply for reinstatement if the individual:

(1) Completes an application for reinstatement approved by the Board; and

(2) Submits the auricular detoxification specialist registration reinstatement fee specified in COMAR 10.26.01.

G. Setting. The clinical substance abuse program or professional setting where an individual performs auricular detoxification on patients with documented substance abuse concerns shall meet reasonable community standards.

H. Complaints.

(1) The Board may investigate a complaint filed against an auricular detoxification specialist or the supervising licensed acupuncturist.

(2) The Board may withdraw the registration of the auricular detoxification specialist or take action against the license of the supervising acupuncturist if either individual violates an applicable law, regulation, or standard of practice while performing auricular detoxification.