Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

This course has been changed from the previous catalog, the changed field(s) are highlighted in red:

 Course Title:   Addictions and the Law

 Title Abbreviation:   ADDICTIONS AND THE LAW

 Department:    HSERV

 Course #:    145

 Credits:    3

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    3

 CIP:    511508

 EPC:    424

 REV:    2021


 Course Description  

Overview of the mutual impacts of substance use disorder treatment and the legal system on each other. Guidelines and laws which affect case management and the structures and functions of courts as they affect addiction treatment. Federal and state confidentiality law. Required course for students seeking the Substance Use Disorder Counseling degree (including fast track students).

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: None.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 33

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Define legal terms used in chemical dependency case management and allied legal agencies.
  2. Outline basic WAC and RCW regulations on chemical dependency treatment.
  3. Discriminate good treatment procedures from poor ones relative to legal concerns.
  4. List and discuss roles of allied services in judicial and enforcement areas.
  5. Discuss the impact of successful treatment or changes in regulations and the laws.
  6. Develop a historical perspective in regards to the impact of alcohol and drug use on American society.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

  1. RCW's / WAC's.
    • Uniform Act.
  2. Federal and State Court Systems.
    • Structure, jurisdictions, purpose.
  3. Department of Licensing / DASA.
    • Function and purpose.
    • Regulation.
    • Administrative hearings.
  4. Deferred Prosecution and other DUI laws.
    • Conditions.
    • Victim's panels.
    • Working with probation departments.
  5. Working with DSHS and CPS.
    • Recognizing and reporting child or elder abuse.
    • Child custody.
  6. Individual projects which should be based on hands-on experience such as court observances, ride-alongs with local police departments, and/or attendance at Victim's Panels.