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180.01.2:H. Resolving Ethical Issues

AR ADC 180.01.2:HArkansas Administrative Code

West's Arkansas Administrative Code
Title 180. Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council
Division 01. Arkansas Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors
Rule 2. Standards of Practice
Ark. Admin. Code 180.01.2:H
180.01.2:H. Resolving Ethical Issues
Currentness
Standard of Practice Forty-Nine (SP-49): Ethical Behavior Expected
Counselors must take appropriate action when they possess reasonable cause that raises doubts as to whether counselors or other mental health professionals are acting in an ethical manner. (See H.II.1.)
Standard of Practice Fifty (SP-50): Unwarranted Complaints
Counselors must not initiate, participate in, or encourage the filing of ethics complaints that are unwarranted or intended to harm a mental health professional rather than to protect clients or the public. (See H.II.6.)
Standard of Practice Fifty-One (SP-51): Cooperation with Ethics Committees
Counselors must cooperate with investigations, proceedings, and requirements of the ASACB Ethics Committee or ethics committees of other duly constituted associations or boards having jurisdiction over those charged with a violation. (See H.III.)
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO MEMBERS' REQUESTS FOR INTERPRETATIONS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS
Section A: Appropriate Requests
(1) SBEADAC members may request that the Committee issue formal interpretations of the Code of Ethics for the purpose of guiding the member's own professional behavior.
(2) Requests for interpretations will not be considered in the following situations:
i) The individual requesting the interpretations is not an SBEADAC member, or
ii) The request is intended to determine whether the behavior of another mental health professional is unethical. In the event a SBEADAC member believes the behavior of another mental health professional is unethical, the SBEADAC member should resolve the issue directly with the professional, if possible, and should file an ethical complaint if appropriate.
Section B: Procedures
(1) Members must send written requests for interpretations to the Committee through the SBEADAC office.
(2) Questions should be submitted in the following format: “Does (counselor behavior) violate Sections or any other sections of the Ethical Standards?” Questions should avoid unique details, be general in nature to the extent possible, and be brief.
(3) The Committee staff liaison will revise the question, if necessary, and submit it to the Committee Co-Chair for approval.
(4) The question will be sent to Committee members who will be asked to respond individually.
(5) The Committee Co-Chair will develop a consensus interpretation on behalf of the Committee.
(6) The consensus interpretation will be sent to members of the Committee for final approval.
(7) The formal interpretation will be sent to the member who submitted the inquiry.
(8) The question and the formal interpretation will be published in the SBEADAC newsletter, but the identity of the member requesting the interpretation will not be disclosed.

Credits

Adopted Feb. 23, 2013.
Current with amendments received through February 15, 2024. Some sections may be more current, see credit for details.
Ark. Admin. Code 180.01.2:H, AR ADC 180.01.2:H
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