Section 34-8A-3

Construction and application of chapter.

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; 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 residence.

(4) The activities and services of qualified members of other professions, such as physicians, psychologists, psychoanalysts, registered nurses, social workers or ordained/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 renumeration.

(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.

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.

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

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

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.

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