2. The Legislature finds and declares that: the profession of alcohol and drug counseling profoundly affects the lives and public safety of the people of New Jersey; the public interest requires the establishment of professional licensing and certification standards for alcohol and drug counselors to protect the citizens of this State by setting standards of education, ethics, competencies and experience for those persons presently practicing and for those seeking to practice and be licensed or certified as alcohol and drug counselors in this State; licensing and certification will enable other professionals, health services providers, employers and the general public to recognize qualified practicing alcohol and drug counselors; and licensing and certification will provide assurances that professionals engaged in alcohol and drug counseling meet acceptable standards of education, experience, ethics and competency in practice which will encourage and promote quality treatment and rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abusers.

L.1997,c.331,s.2.