La. Admin. Code tit. 46 § LX-4717

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section LX-4717 - Financial Arrangements

A. Licensees make financial arrangements with clients, third-party payors, and supervisees that are reasonably understandable and conform to accepted professional practices.

B. Licensees do not offer or accept kickbacks, rebates, bonuses, or other remuneration for referrals; fee-for-service arrangements are not prohibited.

C. Prior to entering into the therapeutic or supervisory relationship, licensees clearly disclose and explain to clients and supervisees:

1. all financial arrangements and fees related to professional services, including charges for canceled or missed appointments;

2. the use of collection agencies or legal measures for nonpayment; and

3. the procedure for obtaining payment from the client, to the extent allowed by law, if payment is denied by the third-party payor;

4. once services have begun, therapists provide reasonable notice of any changes in fees or other charges.

D. Licensees give reasonable notice to clients with unpaid balances of their intent to seek collection by agency or legal recourse. When such action is taken, licensees will not disclose clinical information.

E. Licensees represent facts truthfully to clients, third party payors, and supervisees regarding services rendered.

F. Licensees ordinarily refrain from accepting goods and services from clients in return for services rendered. Bartering for professional services may be conducted only if:

1. the supervisee or client requests it;

2. the relationship is not exploitative;

3. the professional relationship is not distorted; and

4. a clear written contract is established.

G. Licensees may not withhold records under their immediate control that are requested and needed for a client's treatment solely because payment has not been received for past services, except as otherwise provided by law.

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § LX-4717

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, LR 29:171 (February 2003), Amended by LR 41758 (4/1/2015).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1101-1123.