Maine Revised Statutes

1. Peer groups; self-help.  Nothing in this chapter may prevent any person from engaging in or offering substance abuse services such as self-help, sponsorship through alcoholics or narcotics anonymous groups or other uncompensated substance abuse assistance.

2. Government and school employees.  Nothing in this chapter may be construed to apply to the activities and services of an employee or other agent of a recognized academic institution; a federal, state, county or local government institution, a program agency or facility; or a school committee, school district, school approved for attendance purposes pursuant to Title 20-A, section 2901, school board or board of trustees, if the individual is performing those activities solely within the agency or under the jurisdiction of that agency and if a license granted under this chapter is not a requirement for employment.

3. Clergy.  Nothing in this chapter may be construed to apply to the activities and services of any priest, rabbi, member of the clergy, Christian Science healer, or minister of the gospel of any religious denomination when performing counseling services as part of religious duties and in connection with a specific synagogue or church of any religious denomination.

4. Interns.  Nothing in this chapter may be construed to apply to the activities and services of a student, intern or trainee in substance abuse counseling pursuing a course of study in counseling in a regionally accredited institution of higher education or training institution, if these activities are performed under supervision and constitute a part of the supervised course of study.

5. Other licensed professionals.  Nothing in this chapter may prevent any other licensed person in the field of medicine, psychology, nursing, social work or professional counseling who is qualified to provide substance abuse counseling services by virtue of the requirements for that profession from engaging in or offering substance abuse counseling services if such a person does not profess to be providing the service of a substance abuse counselor as the sole professional service rendered by that person. These professionals may not be required to obtain additional certification in order to provide substance abuse counseling services as permitted by this subsection.