Rule 30-1903-3.1 - PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION AS A MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTA. Titles and Abbreviations Persons licensed to practice marriage and family therapy in Mississippi may use the title "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" and they may use the letters LMFT as a professional identification following their name as it appears on the license. Persons licensed to practice as Marriage and Family Therapy Associates in Mississippi may use the title "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate" and they may use the letters LMFTA as professional identification following their name as it appears on the license.
B. Display of License The certificate of licensure issued by the Board and the current verification of renewal shall be displayed at all times in the licensee's place of practice. Official duplicates of the license may be obtained from the board if more than one copy is needed.
C. Change in Name It is the responsibility of the licensee to notify the Board promptly, no later than thirty (30) calendar days following the change of name, of any change in their name and to request a new certificate of licensure showing the appropriate name. All requests for a name changed must be made in writing, signed and notarized, and accompanied by a certified copy of the legal document which changed the name, and the appropriate fee or administrative cost. Licensees will be in violation of the standards of practice if they practice using a name different from the one appearing on their license certificate, and will be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
D. Use of Technology Assisted Marriage and Family Therapy Services1. Definitions Clients - the individual, couple, family, group, or organization that receives marriage and family therapy services from an individual or co-therapy team of marriage and family therapists.
Technology-Assisted Services - therapy or supervision services provided through electronic means utilizing a secure video platform.
In-person - refers to interactions in which the marriage and family therapist and the client are face-to-face either in-person or via secure video conferencing platform.
Remote - refers to the provision of a service that is received at a different site from where the marriage and family therapist is physically located.
2. The practice of LMFTA or LMFT with an individual in the state of Mississippi or any other state through technology-assisted services, regardless of the location of the therapist, shall constitute the practice of marriage and family therapy and be subject to Rules and Regulations of the state where they are providing services. Marriage and family therapists providing technology-assisted services shall take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and ethics. Marriage and family therapists who choose to provide technology-assisted services shall:
a. Determine that technologically-assisted services or supervision are appropriate for clients or supervisees, considering professional, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs.b. Inform clients or supervisees of the potential risks and benefits associated with technologically-assisted services, advise clients and supervisees in writing of these risks, and advise them of both the therapist's and the clients/supervisees' responsibilities for minimizing such risksc. Choose technological platforms that adhere to standards of best practices related to confidentiality and quality of services, and that meet applicable laws. Inform clients/supervisees of the limitations and protections offered by the therapist's or supervisor's technology.d. Ensure that all documentation containing identifying or otherwise sensitive information which is electronically stored and/or transferred is done using technology that adheres to standards of best practices related to confidentiality and quality of services, and that meet applicable laws. Inform clients/supervisees of the limitations and protections offered by the therapist's or supervisor's technology.e. Follow all laws regarding location of practice and services, and do not use technologically-assisted means for practicing outside of their allowed jurisdictions.f. Ensure that they are trained and competent in the use of all chosen technology-assisted professional services and choose suitably advanced and current technology in order to best service the professional needs of clients and supervisees.g. Take reasonable steps to verify the identity of clients/supervisees, particularly at first meeting.30 Miss. Code. R. 1903-3.1
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 73-53-11(1) (c), (g), (k) and (2), 73-54-3 and 73-54-11(1) (2008 & Supp. 2011).