(a) The department shall recognize, prepare, or administer a continuing education program for chemical dependency counselors. The executive commissioner by rule shall provide for the administration of the continuing education requirements established under this section.
(b) As a prerequisite for renewal of a license issued under this chapter, a license holder, other than a license holder subject to Subsection (c), must participate in the continuing education program and complete continuing education hours in each two-year licensing period as follows:
(1) 40 hours if the license holder holds an associate's or bachelor's degree; and
(2) 24 hours if the license holder holds a master's degree or a more advanced degree.
(c) A license holder must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education in each two-year licensing period as a requirement for renewal of the license if the license holder is also licensed as:
(1) a licensed master social worker under Chapter 505;
(2) a licensed marriage and family therapist under Chapter 502;
(3) a licensed professional counselor under Chapter 503;
(4) a physician practicing medicine under Subtitle B; or
(5) a psychologist under Chapter 501.
(d) Except for the number of hours required, the executive commissioner may not adopt a rule under Subsection (a) that distinguishes between the continuing education requirements for a license holder subject to Subsection (b) and a license holder subject to Subsection (c).