§34-8A-3. Construction and application of chapter.

(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to any of the following:

(1) The activities, services, and use of an official title on the part of a person employed as a counselor by any federal, state, county, or municipal agency; public or private educational institution; medical personnel in a clinic or hospital that is certified by the Alabama Department of Public Health or any successor to such department or that is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations or any successor to such commission; law practice; or licensed private employment agencies, provided such persons are performing counseling or counseling-related activities within the scope of their employment.

(2) The activities and services of a student, intern, or trainee in counseling pursuing a course of study in counseling in a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or training institution, if these activities and services constitute a part of the supervised course of study, provided that such person be designated a counselor intern.

(3) The activities and services of a nonresident person rendered not more than 30 days during any year, provided such person is duly authorized to perform such activities and services under the laws of the state or county of his or her residence.

(4) The activities and services of qualified members of other professions, such as physicians, psychologists, psychoanalysts, registered nurses, social workers, or ordained or licensed recognized religious practitioners performing counseling consistent with the laws of the state, their training, and any code of ethics of their professions, provided they do not represent themselves by any title or description in the manner prescribed in Section 34-8A-2. Nothing herein shall prohibit religious counselors performing counseling services without remuneration.

(5) The activities, services, titles, and descriptions of qualified members of the law profession.

(6) The activities, services, titles, and descriptions of persons employed, as professionals or as volunteers, in the practice of counseling for public and private nonprofit organizations or charities.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as permitting counselors licensed under this chapter to administer or prescribe drugs, or in any manner engage in the practice of medicine as defined by the laws of this state.

(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as permitting a counselor licensed under this chapter to represent himself or herself in any manner to the public as an attorney as defined by the laws of this state.

(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as permitting a counselor licensed under this chapter to represent himself or herself in any manner to the public as a psychologist as defined by the laws of this state.

(e) Lecturers from any school, college, agency, or training institution may utilize an academic or research title when invited to present lectures to institutions or organizations.

(f) Notwithstanding the exemptions provided in this section, those person who file an application with the board or who are licensed as licensed professional counselors or associate licensed counselors shall comply with the regulations of the board and be subject to the disciplinary provisions of this chapter.

(Acts 1979, No. 79-423, p. 649, §3; Act 2000-810, p. 1925, §1; Act 2006-566, p. 1314, §1.)