5. Unprofessional conduct or negligence. Any gross negligence, incompetency, misconduct or violation of the existing code of ethics in the performance of alcohol and drug counseling services;

6. Criminal conviction. Subject to the limitations of Title 5, chapter 341, conviction of a Class A, B or C crime or of a crime which that, if committed in this State, would be punishable by one year or more of imprisonment; or

6-A. Incompetence in the practice of counseling. Any incompetence in the practice of counseling such as engaging in conduct that evidences a lack of ability or fitness to discharge the duty owed by the certified alcohol and drug counselor, alcohol and drug counseling aide or certified clinical supervisor to a client or engaging in conduct that evidences a lack of knowledge or inability to apply principles or skills to carry out the practice for which that person is licensed, certified or registered; or

7. Valid cause. Any other valid cause including violation of any provision of this chapter or rule of the board.

Sec. 20. 32 MRSA §6218, as amended by PL 1991, c. 456, §31, is further amended to read:

§6218. Issuance after denial, suspension or revocation

Any individual whose license, certification or registration has been denied, suspended or revoked may apply to the board for licensure, registration or certification reinstatement one year after the date of the board's original action. A competency review is a condition of reinstatement. The board shall determine the nature of this review and shall adopt rules in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II 2-A.

Sec. 21. 32 MRSA §6219, as amended by PL 1999, c. 685, §19, is further amended to read:

§6219. Expiration and renewal

The license and registration All licenses, certifications and registrations issued pursuant to this chapter expire annually on November 30th or at such other time as the Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation may designate. Licensure or registration may be renewed upon written application, the