Professional Ethics

All licensees and certificate holders shall comply with the current code of ethics adopted by the American Counseling Association, except to the extent that it conflicts with the laws of the state of Tennessee or the rules of the Board. If the code of ethics conflicts with state law or rules, the state law or rules govern the matter. Violation of the code of ethics or state law or rules may subject a licensee or certificate holder to disciplinary action. (1) The certified professional counselor and licensed professional counselor and anyone under his supervision shall conduct their professional practice in conformity with the legal, ethical and professional standards promulgated by the Board under its current statutes and rules and regulations. (2) Each applicant and certificate holder or licensee is responsible for being familiar with and following this code of ethics. (3) A copy of the code of ethics may be obtained by writing the American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. (4) In the event an applicant, certificate holder, licensee, or other individual has a question regarding legal, ethical, and professional standards neither the Board nor its administrative personnel shall consider such questions unless presented with a proper petition for a declaratory order, subject to the requirements set forth in T.C.A. § 4-5-223. (5) In addition to the other requirements of this rule, all licensees and certificate holders who practice counseling electronically shall comply with the Ethical Standards for Internet Online Counseling adopted by the American Counseling Association, www.counseling.org, except to the extent that they conflict with the laws of the state of Tennessee or the rules of the Board. If the standards for the ethical practice of internet counseling conflict with state law or rules, the state law or rules govern the matter. Violation of the standards for the ethical practice of web counseling or state law or rules may subject a licensee or certificate holder to disciplinary action.