4757-5-01. Standards of ethical practice and professional conduct

(A) The code of ethical practice and professional conduct constitutes the standards by which the professional conduct of counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists shall be measured. Each subject area is in a separate rule within Chapter 4757-5 of the Administrative Code.

(B) The rules of standards of ethical practice and conduct shall apply to the conduct of all counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist licensees and registrants.

(C) A violation of these rules of standards of ethical practice and professional conduct constitutes unprofessional conduct and is sufficient reason for a reprimand, suspension, revocation, other disciplinary action, or for restrictions placed upon a license or for the denial of the initial license or renewal, or reinstatement of a license.

(D) The board subscribes to codes of ethics and practice standards for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists promulgated by the "American Counseling Association" and the "National Association of Social Workers" and the "American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy". These association standards shall be used as aids in resolving ambiguities which may arise in the interpretation of the rules of professional ethics and conduct, except that the board's rules of standards of ethical practice and professional conduct shall prevail whenever any conflict exists between these rules and the professional association standards.

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 5/24/2018 and 09/20/2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4757.11
Rule Amplifies: 4757.11
Prior Effective Dates: 06/11/1985 (Emer.), 09/19/1985 (Emer.), 12/19/1985, 07/03/1997, 08/02/2001, 09/20/2002, 04/10/2004, 01/01/2006, 11/08/2007, 10/18/2009

Prior History: (R.C. 119.032 review dates: 10/12/2012 and 09/20/2017
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4757.11
Rule Amplifies: 4757.11
Prior Effective Dates: Eff 9-19-85 (Emer.); 12-19-85; 5-22-86; 6-11-95 (Emer.); 7-3-97; 8-2-01; 9-20-02; 4-10-04; 1-1-06; 11-8-07; 10/18/09 )