Scope Of Practice

The following shall be considered necessary when addressing the scope of practice for marital and family therapists. (1) Marital and family therapy means the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive, affective, and behavioral problems and dysfunctions within the context of marital and family systems. Marital and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families (in the context of family systems theory and practice). GENERAL RULES GOVERNING MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPISTS CHAPTER 0450-02 (2) Practice of marital and family therapy means the rendering of professional marital and family therapy to individuals, family groups and couples, singly or in groups, whether such services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee. (3) Any person who engages in any unlawful act enumerated in these rules and T.C.A. §§ 63-22- 101, et seq., is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. (4) Nothing in these rules shall be construed as permitting any person certified or licensed as a MFT to perform psychological testing intended to measure and/or diagnose mental illness. Consistent with each therapist’s formal education and training, licensed marital and family therapists may administer and utilize appropriate assessment instruments which measure and/or diagnose cognitive, affective and behavioral problems and dysfunctions of individuals couples and families as part of the therapy process or in the development of a treatment plan (in the context of marital and family systems). (5) Nothing in this act shall be construed to apply to any person regulated by the board of nursing. (6) Nothing in these rules shall be construed as permitting individuals registered with the board to administer or prescribe drugs or in any manner engage in the practice of medicine as defined by Tennessee law.