839 Ind. Admin. Code 1-4-4

Current through October 31, 2024
Section 839 IAC 1-4-4 - Standards for the competent practice of marriage and family therapy

Authority: IC 25-23.6-2-8

Affected: IC 25-23.6

Sec. 4.

(a) Marriage and family therapists shall not exploit the trust and dependency of clients. Marriage and family therapists shall avoid dual relationships with clients that could impair their professional judgment or increase the risk of exploitation. Examples of such dual relationships include, but are not limited to, business or close personal relationships with clients.
(b) Marriage and family therapists shall respect the right of clients to make decisions and help them to understand the consequences of these decisions. Marriage and family therapists shall clearly advise a client that a decision on marital status is the responsibility of the client.
(c) Marriage and family therapists shall continue therapeutic relationships only so long as it is reasonably clear that clients are benefiting from the relationship.
(d) Marriage and family therapists shall not abandon or neglect clients in treatment without making reasonable arrangements for the continuation of such treatment.
(e) Marriage and family therapists may use client and/or clinical materials in teaching, writing, and public presentations only if a written waiver has been received from the client or when appropriate steps have been taken to protect client identity.
(f) Marriage and family therapists shall store or dispose of client records in ways that maintain confidentiality.
(g) Marriage and family therapists shall seek to remain abreast of new developments in family therapy knowledge and practices through both educational activities and clinical experiences.
(h) Marriage and family therapists shall not attempt to diagnose, treat, or advise on problems outside their competence.
(i) Marriage and family therapists shall not offer or accept payment for referrals.
(j) Marriage and family therapists shall disclose the marriage and family therapist's fee structure to clients at the onset of treatment.

839 IAC 1-4-4

Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board; 839 IAC 1-4-4; filed Jul 1, 1992, 12:00 p.m.: 15 IR 2459; readopted filed Oct 25, 2001, 4:20 p.m.: 25 IR 939; readopted filed Jul 19, 2007, 12:54 p.m.: 20070808-IR-839070049RFA; readopted filed November 25, 2013, 9:18 a.m.: 20131225-IR-839130273RFA
Readopted filed 11/25/2019, 12:13 p.m.: 20191225-IR-839190185RFA
Readopted filed 6/24/2024, 3:49 p.m.: 20240724-IR-839230815RFA