Which laws govern the practice of alcohol and drug abuse counseling that you are obligated to follow?

• A. Local policies
• B. Federal and the District of Columbia
• C. International only
• D. State and local

Answer: (B)

When practicing alcohol and drug abuse counseling, you must follow rules that apply at different levels, with federal requirements providing nationwide protections and standards, and District of Columbia laws setting the specific licensing and practice rules for work in DC. Federal laws shape essential protections, such as confidentiality and anti-discrimination norms, that apply across the country. In DC, there are additional statutes and regulations that define who can practice, what credentials are required, and what duties you must uphold within the district. Local agency policies can guide day-to-day operations, but they do not replace these legal obligations, and international rules do not govern routine US practice. So the combination of federal standards plus DC-specific regulations best captures the obligations you must follow.