CHAPTER 536-X-1
DEFINITION OF TERMS
536-X-1-.01 Definition of Terms
(1) Marriage and Family Therapy in the
State of Alabama is a professional practice which affects the public
safety and welfare and requires appropriate regulation and control
in the public interest. The practice of marriage and family therapy
is the process of providing professional marriage and family therapy
to individuals, couples, and families, either alone or in a group.
The practice of marriage and family therapy utilizes established
principles that recognize the interrelated nature of the individual
problems and dysfunctions in family members in order to assess, and
treat emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Marriage and
family therapy includes, without being limited to, individual,
group, couple, sexual, and family therapy, whether the services are
offered directly to the general public or through organizations,
either public or private, for a fee or other compensation. Marriage
and family therapy is a specialized mode of treatment for the
purpose of resolving emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders and
modifying intrapersonal and interpersonal dysfunctions. Marriage and
family therapists do not practice beyond their scope of training in
the areas of assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients.
(2) Allied Mental Health Field
operationalized as a degree in which at least one of the courses for
that degree meets the marriage and family studies, marriage and
family therapy, or human development Board course requirements.
(3) Board is the Alabama Board of
Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy.
(4) COAMFTE Program is a master’s
degree, doctoral degree, or post-graduate degree clinical training
program in marriage and family therapy that is recognized by the
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy
Education (COAMFTE) as either having accreditation or candidacy
status. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
(AAMFT) is the parent organization of the COAMFTE.
(5) Direct Client Contact Hour is
face-to-face contact with individuals, couples or families for a
minimum of fifty (50) minutes.
(6) Group Supervision may consist of no
more than six (6) supervisees, regardless of the number of
supervisors. Group supervision provides the opportunity for the
supervisees to interact with other supervisees and offers a
different learning experience than that obtained from individual
supervision.
(7) Individual Supervision is
face-to-face contact between one (1) supervisor and up to two (2)
supervisees.
(8) MFT Work Experience includes direct
client contact hours and supervision hours, along with other
professional tasks such as a preparation of the case notes, phone
contacts, court appearances, administrative supervision, and other
appropriate tasks involved in the professional practice of marriage
and family therapy.
(9) Raw Data Supervision includes live
supervision (supervision in which the supervisor observes the case
live and has the opportunity to provide supervisory input during the
session), audio or video supervision (supervision in which the
supervisor reviews and provides feedback during the supervision
session on audio or video tapes of the supervisees clinical work),
and supervision of co-therapy cases (supervision outside the session
on cases in which the supervisor is a co-therapist).
(10) Regional Educational Accrediting Body
is an institution accredited by one of the following: Middle State
Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of
Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Schools and
Colleges, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges,
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Western
Association of Schools and Colleges. It signifies that the
institution meets established standards for higher education.
(11) Supervision of marriage and family
therapy is expected to have the following characteristics:
(a) Face-to-face interaction with the supervisor, usually in periods
of approximately one (1) hour each on at least a weekly basis for a
period of two (2) years;
(b) 25% of these face-to-face supervision hours may be conducted via
electronic communications by an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, AAMFT
Supervisor Candidate, ABEMFT Approved Supervisor, or ABEMFT
Supervisor Candidate. Acceptable electronic communication is defined
as communication that is simultaneously interactive both visually
and orally.
(c) Based on an integration of marriage and family therapy clinical
and supervision constructs;
(d) A contract for supervision is required for all MFT candidates
who are under supervision for MFT licensure; The contract for
supervision requires sufficient detail for review and approval by
the Board. Specific topics to be addressed in the contract for
supervision include, but are not limited to the following:
1. The purpose and goals of the supervisee for this particular
supervision relationship;
2. The professional development of the supervisee, addressing issues
related to the development of supervisee knowledge and skills; and
3. The supervision protocol established to ensure ethical behavior
by supervisees when treating vulnerable populations; (e.g.
addictions, sex therapy, children, and inpatient treatment).
4. This contract must be signed by both the supervisor and
supervisee. This plan must be submitted with LMFT Associate and/or
LMFT designation application.
(e) Without approval of the Board, a supervisee may not have more
than two (2) supervisors.
(f) The following characteristics are not acceptable as clinical
supervision:
(1) Peer supervision, i.e., supervision by a person of equivalent,
rather than superior, qualifications, status and experience;
(2) Supervision by current or former family members or any other
person where the nature of the personal relationship compromises the
professional relationship;
(3) Administrative supervision (i.e., clinical practice performed
under administration rather than clinical supervision of a director
or executive director);
(4) A primarily didactic process wherein techniques or procedures
are taught in a group setting, classroom, workshop or seminar; and
Consultation, staff development or orientation to a field program,
or role playing of family interrelationships as a substitute for
current clinical practice in an appropriate clinical
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-2
REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
536-X-2-.01 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) – An
individual who has met Board requirements to practice marriage and
family therapy.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-2-.02 Requirements for licensure: Licensed Marriage
and Family Therapist (LMFT)
(1) Submission of a completed application on the forms prescribed by
the Board (See 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE
RULES AND REGULATIONS); and submission of applicable fees prescribed
by the Board (See 536-X-5 APPENDICES 1: FEES).
(2) Evidence that the applicant is of good moral character and has
not or is not engaged in any practice or conduct that would make the
applicant ineligible to receive a license pursuant to the Marriage
and Family Therapy Licensure Act;
(3) Completion of the education and internships requirements for an
MFT Associate (See 536-X-4-.02: Requirements for designation:
Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (MFT Associate));
(4) Passed the marriage and family therapy examination approved by
the Board (See 536-X-4-.07 Guidelines for Examination Application
Requirements);
(5) Completion of a minimum of two (2) years post-degree full time
(30 or more clock hours per week) MFT work experience or the
equivalent part time MFT work experience under the supervision of a
Board Approved Supervisor;
(6)(a) Completion of two-hundred (200) hours of supervision,
one-hundred (100) of which must be individual. Candidates may count
up to one-hundred (100) supervision hours earned during the graduate
program toward this requirement, when based on a ratio of one (1)
supervision hour for every five (5) client contact hours completed
concurrently. The remaining one hundred (100) hours of post degree
supervision must include at least fifty (50) hours of individual
supervision. Graduates from COAMFTE programs have met this
requirement. Applicants from allied mental health professions or
candidates not completing a Board approved graduate internship must
complete concurrently the full supervision requirement post-degree.
Programs that are not COAMFTE approved require board approval prior
to beginning the internship.
(b) All out of state applicants will be reviewed on a case by case
basis to ensure that the same standards are met.
(7) Completion of a minimum of one-thousand (1000) post-degree
direct client hours completed concurrently with the required ratio
of one (1) supervision hour to every ten (10) client contact hours;
two hundred-fifty (250) of these direct contact hours must be with
couples or families physically present in the therapy room.
It is the responsibility of the candidate and the supervisor to
ensure that direct client contact hours and supervision hours are
concurrent. This applies for hours toward the internship and
post-degree requirements. Individuals who have graduated from a
COAMFTE program have met this requirement for their internship, but
must document their post-degree hours.
(9) In order for an LMFT license to be renewed the licensee must
have completed the required Continuing Education or Experience Units
during the previous twenty-four (24) months. (see 536-X-6 REQUIRED
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION EXPERIENCE); and
submission of applicable fees for license renewal prescribed by the
Board (See 536-X-5: APPENDICES 1: FEES).
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-2-.03 Endorsement of an individual who is
licensed/registered as an MFT under the laws of another state or
territory of the United States or of a foreign country.
(1) Submission of a completed application on the forms prescribed by
the Board; (See 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE
RULES AND REGULATIONS); and submission of applicable fees prescribed
by the Board (See 536-X-5 APPENDICES 1: FEES).
(2) Evidence that the applicant is of good moral character and has
not or is not engaged in any practice or conduct that would make the
applicant ineligible to receive a license pursuant to the Marriage
and Family Therapy Licensure Act;
(3) Evidence that the applicant is licensed or registered as a
marriage and family therapist in another state which has
requirements for licensure/registration that are equivalent to or
exceed the requirements of the Board.
(4) Certification from the applicant’s current licensure board
indicating the time during which the applicant was
licensed/registered; whether the file of the applicant contains any
record of disciplinary actions taken or pending; and examination(s)
taken and examination score(s) received.
(5) In order for an LMFT license to be renewed the licensee must
have completed the required Continuing Education or Experience Units
during the previous twenty-four (24) months. (see 536-X-6 REQUIRED
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION EXPERIENCE); and
submission of applicable fees for license renewal prescribed by the
Board (See 536-X-5: APPENDICES 1: FEES).
Note: No person shall be required to be licensed under this law
who is not a resident of this state, but offers services in this
state, provided:
1. Such services are performed for no more than five (5) days in any
month and no more than fifteen (15) days in any calendar year; and
2. Such nonresident is licensed or certified to practice the
services provided by a state or territory of the United States or by
a foreign country or province.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Effective Date: February 8, 2007.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X- 3
BOARD APPROVED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY DESIGNATIONS
536-X-3-.01 Board Approved Marriage and Family Therapy
Designations
(1) Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (MFT Intern) – An individual
who is enrolled in or graduated from a program that meets the Board
course requirements and is practicing marriage and family therapy
under Board approved supervision in a training institution,
facility, or supervisory arrangement recognized and approved by the
Board. An individual may remain an MFT Intern for a maximum of four
(4) years.
(2) Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (MFT Associate) – An
individual who has graduated from a program that meets the Board
course requirements, has completed the required internship, and is
practicing marriage and family therapy under a Board approved
supervisory arrangement to complete the minimum two-year
postgraduate supervision requirement, as approved by the Board.
(3 ) LMFT Supervisor Candidate – A Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist (LMFT) who is under Board approved supervision of
supervision.
(4) LMFT Approved Supervisor – A Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist (LMFT) who has met Board requirements to provide MFT
Supervision.
(5) LMFT Supervisor Mentor– A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(LMFT) Approved Supervisor who has met the experience requirements
to provide supervision to LMFT Supervisor Candidate.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-4
BOARD APPROVED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS
AND ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
536-X-4-.01 Requirements for designation: Marriage and Family
Therapy Intern
536-X-4-.02 Requirements for designation: Marriage and Family
Therapy Associate
536-X-4-.03 Requirements for designation: LMFT Supervisor Candidate
536-X-4-.04 Requirements for designation: LMFT Approved Supervisor
536-X-4-.05 Requirements for designation: LMFT Supervisor Mentor
536-X-4-.06 Guidelines for: Case by Case Approved Supervision
536-X-4-.07 Guidelines for: Examination Application Requirements
536-X-4-.01 Requirements for designation: Marriage and
Family Therapy Intern (MFT Intern)
(1) Submission of a completed application on the forms prescribed by
the board (See 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE
RULES AND REGULATIONS); and submission of applicable fees prescribed
by the Board (See 536-X-5 APPENDICES 1: FEES).
(2) Evidence that the applicant is of good moral character and has
not or is not engaged in any practice or conduct that would make the
applicant ineligible to receive a license pursuant to the Marriage
and Family Therapy Licensure Act;
(3) Student or graduate of a regionally accredited educational
institute in a masters or doctoral graduate training in marriage and
family therapy (or an allied field with graduate level course work
in marriage and family therapy) that meets the Board course
requirements;
(4) Submission of a contract for supervision (see 536-X-1-.01 (11):
Definition of Terms: Supervision). Students in a COAMFTE program
currently under program supervision have met this requirement.
(5) An MFT Intern designation must be renewed every two (2) years if
applicable. In order to renew the Intern must have completed the
required Continuing Education Units (see 536-X-6 Required Relevant
Professional and Continuing Education Experience); and submission of
applicable fees for license renewal prescribed by the Board (see
536-X-5 APPENDICES 1: Fees).
(6) It is the responsibility of the candidate and the supervisor to
ensure that direct client contact hours and supervision hours are
concurrent. This applies for hours toward the internship and
post-degree requirements. Individuals who have graduated from a
COAMFTE program have met this requirement for their internship, but
must document their post-degree hours.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-4-.02 Requirements for designation: Marriage and
Family Therapy Associate (MFT Associate)
(1) Submission of a completed application on the forms prescribed by
the
Board (see 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE RULES
AND REGULATIONS); and submission of applicable fees for application
and license prescribed by the Board (see 536-X-5 APPENDICES 1:
FEES).
(2) Evidence that the applicant is of good moral character and has
not and
is not engaged in any practice or conduct that would make the
applicant ineligible
to receive a designation pursuant to the Marriage and Family Therapy
Licensure
Act;
(3) Graduation from a regionally accredited educational institute
with a
masters or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy (or in an
allied field
with graduate level course work in marriage and family therapy) that
meets the
Board course requirements. (see 536-X-5: BOARD COURSE REQUIREMENTS).
Individuals who have graduated from a COAMFTE program have met this
requirement.
(4) Completion of an internship either during the qualifying degree
and/or
as a post degree experience consisting of the following:
(a) minimum of 12 months of internship;
(b) minimum of 100 supervision hours based on the ratio of one (1)
supervision hour for every five (5) direct client contact hours
completed concurrently; fifty (50) of these hours must be individual
supervision. Group supervision is encouraged. The supervision must
be provided by a Board Approved Supervisor;
(c) minimum of five hundred (500) direct client contact hours
obtained concurrently with the required supervision; two hundred
fifty (250) of these direct client contact hours must be with
couples or families physically present in the therapy room;
(d) It is the responsibility of the candidate and the supervisor to
ensure that direct client contact hours and supervision hours are
concurrent. This applies for hours toward the internship and
post-degree requirements. Individuals who have graduated from a
COAMFTE program have met this requirement for their internship, but
must document their post-degree hours.
(e) Individuals who have graduated from a COAMFTE program have met
requirements a-d.
(5) Submission of a contract for supervision that must be approved
by the Board (see 536-X-1-.01 (11): Definition of Terms:
Supervision).
(6) In order for a MFT Associate to be renewed, the Associate must
have
completed the required Continuing Education Units during the
previous twenty-four (24) months. (see 536-X-6 REQUIRED RELEVANT
PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION EXPERIENCE); and submission of
applicable fees for license renewal prescribed by the Board (see
536-X-5: APPENDICES 1: FEES).
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-4-.03 Requirements for designation: LMFT Supervisor
Candidate
(1) Is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist;
(2) Submission, of a completed application on the forms prescribed
by the Board (see 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE
RULES AND REGULATIONS); and submission of applicable fees for
application and license prescribed by the Board (see 536-X-5
APPENDICES 1: FEES).
(3) Submission of a contract for supervision with a supervisor
mentor:
a.) A plan for the completion of supervision of supervision by a
Board approved LMFT Supervisor Mentor; and
b.) A plan for completion of an AAMFT approved graduate course in
supervision or the equivalent. The course must contain a minimum of
thirty (30) contact hours.
Note: LMFT Supervisor Candidate contracts are valid for a maximum of
three (3) years.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-4-.04 Requirements for designation: LMFT Approved
Supervisor
(1) Is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist;
(2) Submission of a completed application on the forms prescribed by
the Board (see 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE
RULES AND REGULATIONS); and submission of applicable fees for
application and license prescribed by the Board (see 536-X-5
APPENDICES 1: FEES).
(3) Completion of a minimum of four (4) years post-degree full time
(30 or
more clock hours per week) MFT work experience or the equivalent
part
time work experience.
(4) Completion of a graduate course in supervision with a minimum of
thirty (30) contact hours or the equivalent;
(5) The supervisor candidate must provide a minimum of one
hundred-eighty (180) hours of clinical supervision to MFTs and/or
MFT trainees during a period of not less than two years. During this
time, the candidate must actively supervise at least two supervisees
for at least nine (9) months each.
(6) Completion of thirty-six (36) hours of supervision of
supervision from
a Board approved LMFT Supervisor Mentor. Supervision of Supervision
should continue throughout the entire period of one’s candidacy,
even if the thirty-six (36) hours have been completed. If the
training period extends beyond two years, at least eighteen (18)
hours of Supervision of Supervision must be obtained in the final
year of candidacy.
(7) The Supervisor Candidate is responsible for logging monthly
supervisee direct client contact hours, supervision hours and type
of supervision for each supervisee, and supervision of supervision
hours. These monthly logs will be submitted with the Candidate’s
final application.
OR
(8) Is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-4-.05 Requirements for designation: LMFT Supervisor
Mentor
(1) LMFT Approved Supervisor who has provided a minimum of
one hundred (100) hours of supervision beyond that required to
become an LMFT Approved Supervisor.
(2) Submission of a completed application on the forms prescribed by
the Board (see 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE
RULES AND REGULATIONS); and submission of applicable fees for
application and license prescribed by the Board (see 536-X-5
APPENDICES 1: FEES).
Note: AAMFT Approved Supervisors and AAMFT Supervisor Candidate are
also Board approved supervisors.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-4-.06 Guidelines for: Case by Case Supervision
(1) When supervision by a LMFT Supervisor, LMFT Supervisor Candidate
or LMFT Supervisor Mentor is not available, the Board will approve
supervision on a case by case basis using the following guidelines:
(a) For applications in which the approval of supervision is
considered on a case by case basis by the Board, each supervisor’s
education, clinical, and supervisory experience in marriage and
family therapy will be considered when assessing the total education
and clinical experience of the applicant.
(b) Consideration of Case by Case Approved Supervision will be
limited to cases in which the availability of Board Approved
Supervisors would result in a substantial hardship such as there
being no Approved Supervisors or Supervisor Candidates within a
fifty (50) mile radius. If an appropriate ABEMFT LMFT Approved
Supervisor, ABEMFT LMFT Supervisor Candidate, AAMFT Approved
Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor Candidate is unavailable, the Board
can allow an ABEMFT Licensed MFT with considerable experience to act
as the supervisor.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-4-.07 Guidelines for: Examination
Application Requirements
The following are necessary requirements in order to take the Board
approved marriage and family therapy examination:
(1) Submission of a completed application on the forms prescribed by
the Board (see 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE
RULES AND REGULATIONS); and submission of applicable fees for
application and license prescribed by the Board (see 536-X-5:
APPENDICES 1: FEES);
(2) Is an MFT Associate or has met all requirements for becoming an
MFT Associate (see 536-X-4-.02: Requirements for designation:
Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (MFT Associate);
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-5
BOARD COURSE REQUIREMENTS
536-X-5-.01 Board Course Requirements
Graduate coursework will consist of the six areas deemed essential
educational training for the practice of marriage and family
therapy. This coursework will embrace a family systems perspective
of human and family development and of treatment of individuals,
couples, and families, either alone or in a group. This coursework
will address the practice of marriage and family therapy through
utilization of established principles that recognize the
interrelated nature of the individual problems and dysfunctions in
family members in order to assess and treat emotional, mental, and
behavioral disorders.
Course equivalents: one (1) course = three (3) semester credits or
four (4) quarter credits from a recognized educational institution;
or forty-five (45) didactic contact hours (lecture hours)
(1) Marriage and Family Studies (two (2) courses, minimum). Courses
in this area should present a fundamental introduction to systems
theory. The student should learn to think in systems terms across a
wide variety of family and other social structures and a diverse
range of presenting issues (i.e., gender, culture, substance abuse).
Topic areas include: systems theory, family development, subsystems,
blended families, gender issues in families, cultural issues in
families, etc. All courses in this area must have a major focus from
a systems theory orientation. Survey or overview courses in which
systems is one of several theories covered do not qualify for this
area. Courses in which systems theory is the major focus and other
theories are studied in relation to systems theory are acceptable.
(2) Marriage and Family Therapy (three (3) courses, minimum).
Courses in this area should have a major focus on advanced family
systems theories and systemic therapeutic interventions. This area
is intended to provide a substantive understanding of the major
theories of systems change and the applied practices evolving from
each theoretical orientation. Major theoretical approaches might
include: strategic, structural, object relations family therapy,
behavioral family therapy, communications family therapy,
intergenerational family therapy, and systemic sex therapy. Survey
or overview courses in which family therapy is one of several types
of theories covered do not qualify for this area.
(3) Human Development (two (2) courses, minimum). Courses in this
area should provide knowledge of individual personality development
and its normal and abnormal manifestations. The student should have
relevant coursework in human development across the life span which
includes special issues that affect an individual’s development
(i.e., culture, gender, and human sexuality). The material should be
integrated with systems concepts. Topic areas may include human
development, child/adolescent development, psychopathology,
personality, theory, human sexuality, etc. Test and measurements
courses do not qualify for this area.
(4) Professional Issues and Ethics (one (1) course, minimum).
Courses in this area are intended to contribute to the professional
development of the therapist. Areas of study should include the
therapist’s legal responsibilities and liabilities, professional
issues and ethics as a marriage and family therapist, professional
socialization, and the role of the professional organization,
licensure or certification legislation, independent practice and interprofessional cooperation. Religious ethics courses and moral
theology courses do not qualify for this area.
(5) Research (one (1) course, minimum.) Courses in this area should
assist in understanding and performing research. Topic areas may
include: research methodology, quantitative methods, and statistics.
Individual personality, test and measurement and library research
courses do not qualify for this area.
(6) Mental Health Diagnosis (one (1) course, minimum). The course in
this area should assist in understanding and treating psychological
diagnoses related to the International Classification of Diseases
and/or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Topic areas may include: major mental disorders and learning
disorders, personality disorders, intellectual disabilities, acute
medical conditions, addictions, sexual disorders, and
psycho-developmental and environmental factors contributing to
disorders. This course will be required for all licensees beginning
January 1, 2013.
Note: Graduates of programs, which at the time of the applicant’s
graduation were COAMFTE programs, are deemed to have met the Board
course requirements.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-6
REQUIRED RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
536-X-6-.01 Required Relevant Professional and Continuing Education
Experience
Required Relevant Professional and Continuing Education Experience
(1) In order for an Intern designation to be renewed, the intern
must have completed a minimum of ten (10) contact hours of
acceptable Continuing Education or Experience Units during the
previous twenty-four months. A minimum of three (3) of these hours
must be clinical MFT workshops, a minimum of three (3) of these
hours must be in the area of diagnosis and treatment, and a minimum
of three (3) of these hours must be in the area of professional
issues and ethics.
(2) In order for an Associate License to be renewed, the Associate
must have completed a minimum of twenty (20) contact hours of
acceptable Continuing Education or Experience Units during the
previous twenty-four months. A minimum of five (5) of these hours
must be clinical MFT workshops, a minimum of three (3) of these
hours must be in the area of diagnosis and treatment, and a minimum
of three (3) of these hours must be in the area of professional
issues and ethics.
(3) In order for an LMFT license to be renewed, the licensee must
have completed a minimum of forty (40) contact hours of acceptable
Continuing Education or Experience Units during the previous
twenty-four (24) months. A minimum of ten (10) of these hours must
be clinical MFT workshops, a minimum of six (6) of these hours must
be in the area of diagnosis and treatment, and a minimum of six (6)
of these hours must be in the area of professional issues and
ethics. LMFT supervisors must have completed a minimum of five (5)
hours of continuing education in the content area of supervision.
(4) Acceptable CEU’s include:
a. National, state or local MFT association training and continuing
education activities;
b. Graduate courses in MFT or cross disciplinary course (one (1)
graduate semester = fifteen (15) hours, one (1) graduate quarter =
ten (10) hours);
(a) NBCC approved courses and continuing education activities
sponsored by allied mental health professional associations or
agencies;
(b) Supervision by an Approved MFT Supervisor under a board approved
contract (not more than ten (10) hours);
(c) Independent study activities such as: teaching graduate courses
in MFT; presenter of MFT material in a recognized professional forum
(first time presented); supervising a person for MFT licensure under
a Board approved contract; service rendered on professional MFT
boards or committees, editing or writing professional books or
articles for publication. No more than ten (10) hours of continuing
education shall be in independent study.
(d) AAMFT, NBCC, or ALAMFT pre-approved distance learning courses
that may include web page lectures; class discussions via internet
bulletin boards; student interaction; and student to student
interactive online communication through electronic mail,
television, or video. Distance learning is a convenient mode for
Board approved, interactive on-line/video coursework that is
designed to provide an alternative to conventional continuing
education for MFT members who demonstrate physical impairment,
conflicting work schedule, or hardship. Distance learning requires
no or limited physical attendance and does not replace face-to-face
clinical supervision. No more than twenty (20) hours of continuing
education shall be in distance learning.
(5) Documentation of completion will include a written statement of
all CEU course information including the name of the sponsoring
organization, location of seminar, title/brief description,
principal instructor, dates, and number of hours claimed. The Board
will audit a number of randomly selected licensees to assure that
the continuing education requirements have been met before the
license is renewed. The Board may request verification of credits
submitted, including information regarding content certification and
attendance. The licensee shall maintain and make available upon
request the documentation required by this rule for a period of two
(2) years. Failure to substantiate credits submitted or to submit
documentation of sufficient continuing education credits will result
in refusal by the Board to renew a license.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Effective Date: July 10, 2006 Amended: April 19, 2007
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-7
GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
536-X-7-.01 Grounds for Discipline and Ethical Standards
The Board may deny, revoke, or suspend a license granted pursuant to
the Marriage and Family Therapy Act on any of the following grounds:
(1) Conviction of a crime which the Board determines to be of a
nature as to render the person convicted unfit to practice marriage
and family therapy. The Board shall compile, maintain, and publish a
list of the crimes.
(2) Violation of ethical standards of a nature as to render the
person found by the board to be unfit to practice marriage and
family therapy. The Board shall publish and maintain the ethical
standards. Either as an alternative to, or as an additional
disciplinary action, the Board may levy an administrative fine of up
to five hundred dollars ($500) for an ethical violation.
(3) Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license.
(4) Other just and sufficient cause which renders a person unfit to
practice marriage and family therapy, such as, but not limited to
the following:
(a) Violations of rules, regulations, and standards set forth by the
Board.
(b) Violations of the ethical standards for marriage and family
therapists.
(c) Professional incompetency.
(d) Knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue or fraudulent
representations in the practice of the profession or engaging in
unethical conduct or practice harmful or detrimental to the public.
Proof of actual injury need not be established.
(e) Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs.
(f) Conviction of a felony related to the profession or occupation
of the licensee or the conviction of any felony that would affect
the licensee’s ability to practice within a profession. A copy of
the record of conviction or plea of guilty shall be conclusive
evidence.
(g) Fraud in representations as to skill or ability.
(h) Use of untruthful or improbable statements in advertisements.
(i) Willful or repeated violations of the provisions of the Marriage
and Family Therapy Licensure Act and the Rules and Regulations of
the Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy.
(j) Personal disqualifications:
1. Mental or physical inability reasonably related to and adversely
affecting the licensee’s ability to practice in a safe and competent
manner.
2. Involuntary commitment for treatment of mental illness, drug
addiction or alcoholism.
(k) Holding oneself out as a licensee when the license has expired,
been suspended or revoked or no license has been granted.
(l) Revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action taken by a
mental health licensing authority of any state, territory, or
country; or failure by the licensee to report in writing to the
Board a revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action taken
by a mental health licensing authority of any sate, territory, or
county.
(m) Negligence by the licensee in the practice of the profession,
which is a failure to exercise due care including negligent
delegation to or supervision of employees or other individuals,
whether or not injury results; or any conduct, practice or
conditions which impair the ability to safely and skillfully
practice the profession.
(n) Prohibited acts consisting of the following:
1. Permitting another person to use the license for any purpose.
2. Practice outside the scope of the license.
3. Obtaining, possession, or attempting to obtain or possess a
controlled substance without lawful authority; or selling,
prescribing, giving away, or administering controlled substances.
4. Verbally or physically abusing clients.
5. Any sexual intimidation or sexual relationship between a licensee
and a client.
(o) Unethical business practices, consisting of any of the
following:
1. False or misleading advertising.
2. Betrayal of a professional confidence.
3. Falsifying client’s records.
(p) Failure to report to the Board a change of name or address
within sixty (60) days after it occurs.
(q) Failure to comply with a subpoena issued by the Board, or to
otherwise fail to cooperate with an investigation conducted by the
Board.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Effective Date: July 10, 2006
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-8
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS
536-X-8-.01 Responsibility to Clients
Marriage and family therapists advance the welfare of families and
individuals. They respect the rights of those persons seeking their
assistance, and make reasonable efforts to ensure that their
services are used appropriately.
(1) Marriage and family therapists provide professional assistance
to persons without discrimination on the basis of race, age,
ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status,
religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.
(2) Marriage and family therapists obtain appropriate informed
consent to therapy or related procedures as early as feasible in the
therapeutic relationship, and use language that is reasonably
understandable to clients. The content of informed consent may vary
depending upon the client and treatment plan; however, informed
consent generally necessitates that the client:
(a) has the capacity to consent;
(b) has been adequately informed of significant information
concerning treatment processes and procedures;
(c) has been adequately informed of potential risks and benefits of
treatments for which generally recognized standards do not yet
exist;
(d) has freely and without undue influence expressed consent; and
(e) has provided consent that is appropriately documented. When
persons, due to age or mental status, are legally incapable of
giving informed consent, marriage and family therapists obtain
informed permission from a legally authorized person, if such
substitute consent is legally permissible.
(3) Marriage and family therapists are aware of their influential
positions with respect to clients, and they avoid exploiting the
trust and dependency of such persons. Therapists, recognize within
communities there is potential for multiple relationships to exist
with a client. Marriage and family therapists accept that multiple
relationships add to the complexity of the professional relationship
and work to ensure clarity of professional judgment and avoid
exploitation of the client.
(4) Sexual intimacy with current clients is prohibited.
(5) Sexual intimacy with a current client’s immediate family member
is prohibited. An immediate family member is defined as a mother,
father, son, daughter, step-mother, step-father, brother, sister,
half-brother, half-sister, step-brother, step-sister, grandmother,
grandfather, first cousin, niece, nephew and current and potential
spouses or cohabitating partners of any of these immediate family
relationships.
(6) Sexual intimacy with former clients and relatives of a former
client is likely to be harmful and is therefore prohibited for five
years following the termination of therapy of last professional
contact. Should therapists engage in sexual intimacy with former
clients or immediate family members of a former client following
five years after termination or last professional contact, the
burden shifts to the therapist to demonstrate that there has been no
exploitation or injury to the former client.
(7) Marriage and family therapists shall not provide clinical
services to an individual with whom the marriage and family
therapist has had a prior sexual relationship.
(8) Marriage and family therapists shall not sexually harass
clients. Sexual harassment includes sexual solicitation or requests
for sexual favors.
(9) Marriage and family therapists comply with applicable laws
regarding the reporting of alleged unethical conduct.
(10) Marriage and family therapists do not use their professional
relationships with clients to further their own interests.
(11) Marriage and family therapists respect the rights of clients to
make decisions and help them to understand the consequences of these
decisions. Therapists clearly advise the clients that they have the
responsibility to make decisions regarding relationships such as
cohabitation, marriage, divorce, separation, reconciliation,
custody, and visitation.
(12) Marriage and family therapists continue therapeutic
relationships only so long as it is reasonably clear that clients
are benefiting from the relationship.
(13) Marriage and family therapists assist persons in obtaining
other therapeutic services if the therapist is unable or unwilling,
for appropriate reasons, to provide professional help.
(14) Marriage and family therapists do not abandon or neglect
clients in treatment without making reasonable arrangements for the
continuation of such treatment.
(15) Marriage and family therapists obtain written informed consent
from clients before videotaping, audio recording, or permitting
third-party observation.
(16) Marriage and family therapists, upon agreeing to provide
services to a person or entity at the request of a third party,
clarify, to the extent feasible and at the outset of the service,
the nature of the relationship with each party and the limits of
confidentiality.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-8-.02 Confidentiality
Marriage and family therapists have unique confidentiality concerns
because the client in a therapeutic relationship may be more than
one person. Therapists respect and guard the confidences of each
individual client.
(1)Marriage and family therapists disclose to clients and other
interested parties, as early as feasible in their professional
contacts, the nature of confidentiality and possible limitations of
the clients’ right to confidentiality. Therapists review with
clients the circumstances where confidential information may be
requested and where disclosure of confidential information may be
legally required. Circumstances may necessitate repeated
disclosures.
(2) Marriage and family therapists do not disclose client
confidences except by written authorization or waiver, or where
mandated or permitted by law. Verbal authorization will not be
sufficient except in emergency situations, unless prohibited by law.
When providing couple, family or group treatment, the therapist does
not disclose information outside the treatment context without a
written authorization from each individual competent to execute a
waiver. In the context of couple, family or group treatment, the
therapist may not reveal any individual’s confidences to others in
the client unit without the prior written permission of that
individual.
(3) Marriage and family therapists use client and/or clinical
materials in teaching, writing, consulting, research, and public
presentations only if a written waiver has been obtained in
accordance with Sub principle 2.2, or when appropriate steps have
been taken to protect client identity and confidentiality.
(4) Marriage and family therapists store, safeguard, and dispose of
client records in ways that maintain confidentiality and in accord
with applicable laws and professional standards.
(5) Subsequent to the therapist moving from the area, closing the
practice, or upon the death of the therapist, a marriage and family
therapist arranges for the storage, transfer, or disposal of client
records in ways that maintain confidentiality and safeguard the
welfare of clients.
(6) Marriage and family therapists, when consulting with colleagues
or referral sources, do not share confidential information that
could reasonably lead to the identification of a client, research
participant, or other person with whom they have a confidential
relationship unless they have obtained the prior written consent of
the client, research participant, or other person with whom they
have a confidential relationship. Information may be shared only to
the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-8-.03 Professional Competence and Integrity
Marriage and family therapists maintain high standards of
professional competence and integrity.
(1) Marriage and family therapists pursue knowledge of new
developments and maintain competence in marriage and family therapy
through education, training, or supervised experience.
(2) Marriage and family therapists maintain adequate knowledge of
and adhere to applicable laws, ethics, and professional standards.
(3) Marriage and family therapists seek appropriate professional
assistance for their personal problems or conflicts that may impair
work performance or clinical judgment.
(4) Marriage and family therapists do not provide services that
create a conflict of interest that may impair work performance or
clinical judgment.
(5) Marriage and family therapists, as presenters, teachers,
supervisors, consultants and researchers, are dedicated to high
standards of scholarship, present accurate information, and disclose
potential conflicts of interest.
(6) Marriage and family therapists maintain accurate and adequate
clinical and financial records.
(7) While developing new skills in specialty areas, marriage and
family therapists take steps to ensure the competence of their work
and to protect clients from possible harm. Marriage and family
therapists practice in specialty areas new to them only after
appropriate education, training, or supervised experience.
(8)Marriage and family therapists do not engage in sexual or other
forms of harassment of clients, students, trainees, supervisees,
employees, colleagues, or research subjects.
(9)Marriage and family therapists do not engage in the exploitation
of clients, students, trainees, supervisees, employees, colleagues,
or research subjects.
(10) Marriage and family therapists do not give to or receive from
clients
(a) gifts of substantial value or
(b) gifts that impair the integrity or efficacy of the therapeutic
relationship.
(11) Marriage and family therapists do not diagnose, treat, or
advise on problems outside the recognized boundaries of their
competencies.
(12) Marriage and family therapists make efforts to prevent the
distortion or misuse of their clinical and research findings.
(13) Marriage and family therapists, because of their ability to
influence and alter the lives of others, exercise special care when
making public their professional recommendations and opinions
through testimony or other public statements.
(14) To avoid a conflict of interests, marriage and family
therapists who treat minors or adults involved in custody or
visitation actions may not also perform forensic evaluations for
custody, residence, or visitation of the minor. The marriage and
family therapist who treats the minor may provide the court or
mental health professional performing the evaluation with
information about the minor from the marriage and family therapist’s
perspective as a treating marriage and family therapist, so long as
the marriage and family therapist does not violate confidentiality.
(15) Marriage and family therapists are in violation of this Code
and subject to termination of membership or other appropriate action
if they:
(a) are convicted of any felony;
(b) are convicted of a misdemeanor related to their qualifications
or functions;
(c) engage in conduct which could lead to conviction of a felony, or
a misdemeanor related to their qualifications or functions;
(d) are expelled from or disciplined by other professional
organizations;
(e) have their licenses or certificates suspended or revoked or are
otherwise disciplined by regulatory bodies;
(f) continue to practice marriage and family therapy while no longer
competent to do so because they are impaired by physical or mental
causes or the abuse of alcohol or other substances; or
(g) fail to cooperate with the Board at any point from the inception
of an ethical complaint through the completion of all proceedings
regarding that complaint.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-8-.04 Responsibility to Students and Supervisees
Marriage and family therapists do not exploit the trust and
dependency of students and supervisees.
(1) Marriage and family therapists are aware of their influential
positions with respect to students and supervisees, and they avoid
exploiting the trust and dependency of such persons. Therapists,
recognize that potential for multiple relationships with students
exist. Marriage and family therapists accept that multiple
relationships add to the complexity of the professional relationship
and work to ensure clarity of professional judgment and avoid
exploitation of the student.
(2) Marriage and family therapists do not provide therapy to current
students or supervisees.
(3) Marriage and family therapists do not engage in sexual intimacy
with undergraduate or graduate students or supervisees during the
evaluative or training relationship between the therapist and
student or supervisee. Should a supervisor engage in sexual activity
with a former student or supervisee, the burden of proof shifts to
the supervisor to demonstrate that there has been no exploitation or
injury to the student or supervisee.
(4) The marriage and family therapist shall not sexually harass
students or supervisees. Sexual harassment includes sexual
solicitation or requests for sexual favors.
(5) Marriage and family therapists do not permit students or
supervisees to perform or to hold themselves out as competent to
perform professional services beyond their training, level of
experience, and competence.
(6) Marriage and family therapists take reasonable measures to
ensure that services provided by supervisees are professional.
(7) Marriage and family therapists avoid accepting as supervisees or
students those individuals with whom a prior or existing
relationship could compromise the therapist’s objectivity. When such
situations cannot be avoided, therapists take appropriate
precautions to maintain objectivity. Examples of such relationships
include, but are not limited to, those individuals with whom the
therapist has a current or prior sexual, close personal, immediate
familial, or therapeutic relationship.
(8) Marriage and family therapists do not disclose supervisee
confidences except by written authorization or waiver, or when
mandated or permitted by law. In educational or training settings
where there are multiple supervisors, disclosures are permitted only
to other professional colleagues, administrators, or employers who
share responsibility for training of the supervisee. Verbal
authorization will not be sufficient except in emergency situations,
unless prohibited by law.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-8-.05 Responsibility to Research Participants
Investigators respect the dignity and protect the welfare of
research participants, and are aware of applicable laws and
regulations and professional standards governing the conduct of
research.
(1) Investigators are responsible for making careful examinations of
ethical acceptability in planning studies. To the extent that
services to research participants may be compromised by
participation in research, investigators seek the ethical advice of
qualified professionals not directly involved in the investigation
and observe safeguards to protect the rights of research
participants.
(2) Investigators requesting participant involvement in research
inform participants of the aspects of the research that might
reasonably be expected to influence willingness to participate.
Investigators are especially sensitive to the possibility of
diminished consent when participants are also receiving clinical
services, or have impairments which limit understanding and/or
communication, or when participants are children.
(3) Investigators respect each participant’s freedom to decline
participation in or to withdraw from a research study at any time.
This obligation requires special thought and consideration when
investigators or other members of the research team are in positions
of authority or influence over participants. Marriage and family
therapists, therefore, make every effort to avoid multiple
relationships with research participants that could impair
professional judgment or increase the risk of exploitation.
(4) Information obtained about a research participant during the
course of an investigation is confidential unless there is a waiver
previously obtained in writing. When the possibility exists that
others, including family members, may obtain access to such
information, this possibility, together with the plan for protecting
confidentiality, is explained as part of the procedure for obtaining
informed consent.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-8-.06 Responsibility to the Profession
Marriage and family therapists respect the rights and
responsibilities of professional colleagues and participate in
activities that advance the goals of the profession.
(1) Marriage and family therapists remain accountable to the
standards of the profession when acting as members or employees of
organizations. If the mandates of an organization with which a
marriage and family therapist is affiliated, through employment,
contract or otherwise, conflict with the AAMFT Code of Ethics,
marriage and family therapists make known to the organization their
commitment to the AAMFT
Code of Ethics and attempt to resolve the conflict in a way that
allows the fullest adherence to the Code of Ethics.
(2) Marriage and family therapists assign publication credit to
those who have contributed to a publication in proportion to their
contributions and in accordance with customary professional
publication practices.
(3) Marriage and family therapists do not accept or require
authorship credit for a publication based on research from a
student’s program, unless the therapist made a contribution
(significant participation in the design of research, collection of
data, data analysis, and writing of findings in the article).
(4) Marriage and family therapists who are the authors of books or
other materials that are published or distributed do not plagiarize
or fail to cite persons to whom credit for original ideas or work is
due.
(5) Marriage and family therapists who are the authors of books or
other materials published or distributed by an organization take
reasonable precautions to ensure that the organization promotes and
advertises the materials accurately and factually.
(6) Marriage and family therapists participate in activities that
contribute to a better community and society, including devoting a
portion of their professional activity to services for which there
is little or no financial return.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-8-.07 Financial Arrangements
Marriage and family therapists make financial arrangements with
clients, third-party payors, and supervisees that are reasonably
understandable and conform to accepted professional practices.
(1) Marriage and family therapists do not offer or accept kickbacks,
rebates, bonuses, or other remuneration for referrals;
fee-for-service arrangements are not prohibited.
(2) Prior to entering into the therapeutic or supervisory
relationship, marriage and family therapists clearly disclose and
explain to clients and supervisees:
(a) all financial arrangements and fees related to professional
services, including charges for canceled or missed appointments;
(b) the use of collection agencies or legal measures for nonpayment;
and
(c) the procedure for obtaining payment from the client, to the
extent allowed by law, if payment is denied by the third-party
payer. Once services have begun, therapists provide reasonable
notice of any changes in fees or other charges.
(3) Marriage and family therapists give reasonable notice to clients
with unpaid balances of their intent to seek collection by agency or
legal recourse. When such action is taken, therapists will not
disclose clinical information.
(4) Marriage and family therapists represent facts truthfully to
clients, third-party payers, and supervisees regarding services
rendered.
(5) Bartering for professional services may be conducted only if:
(a) the supervisee or client requests it,
(b) the relationship is not exploitative,
(c) the professional relationship is not distorted, and
(d) a clear written contract is established.
(6) Marriage and family therapists may not withhold records under
their immediate control that are requested and needed for a client’s
treatment solely because payment has not been received for past
services, except as otherwise provided by law.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
536-X-8-.08 Advertising
Marriage and family therapists engage in appropriate informational
activities, including those that enable the public, referral
sources, or others to choose professional services on an informed
basis.
(1) Marriage and family therapists accurately represent their
competencies, education, training, and experience relevant to their
practice of marriage and family therapy.
(2) Marriage and family therapists ensure that advertisements and
publications in any media (such as directories, announcements,
business cards, newspapers, radio, television, Internet, and
facsimiles) convey information that is necessary for the public to
make an appropriate selection of professional services. Information
could include:
(a) office information, such as name, address, telephone number,
credit card acceptability, fees, languages spoken, and office hours;
(b) qualifying clinical degree (see sub principle 8.5);
(c) other earned degrees (see sub principle 8.5) and state or
provincial licensures and/or certifications;
(d) AAMFT clinical member status; and
(e) description of practice.
(3) Marriage and family therapists do not use names that could
mislead the public concerning the identity, responsibility, source,
and status of those practicing under that name, and do not hold
themselves out as being partners or associates of a firm if they are
not.
(4) Marriage and family therapists do not use any professional
identification (such as a business card, office sign, letterhead,
Internet, or telephone or association directory listing) if it
includes a statement or claim that is false, fraudulent, misleading,
or deceptive.
(5) In representing their educational qualifications, marriage and
family therapists list and claim as evidence only those earned
degrees:
(a) from institutions accredited by regional accreditation sources
recognized by the United States Department of Education,
(b) from institutions recognized by states or provinces that license
or certify marriage and family therapists, or
(c) from equivalent foreign institutions.
(6) Marriage and family therapists correct, wherever possible,
false, misleading, or inaccurate information and representations
made by others concerning the therapist's qualifications, services,
or products.
(7) Marriage and family therapists make certain that the
qualifications of their employees or supervisees are represented in
a manner that is not false, misleading, or deceptive.
(8) Marriage and family therapists do not represent themselves as
providing specialized services unless they have the appropriate
education, training, or supervised experience.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Amended: Filed October 15, 2009; Effective Date: December 10, 2009
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-9
BOARD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
536-X-9-.01 Board Policies and Procedures
(1) Review Process. All Applications must be received two (2) weeks
prior to the next available board meeting date in order to ensure
adequate processing time before board review. Upon receipt of an
application and the appropriate fee for a Board approved designation
in marriage and family therapy, the Board shall either issue the
designation, notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for
denying the application, or notify the applicant in writing of the
deficiencies in the application. Applicants have two (2) years from
the date of the notification of deficiencies to complete the
application process. If the process has not been completed within
two (2) years, the application shall be denied, and the fee
forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements
in effect at the time of reapplication. In the event of hardship,
the applicant may apply in writing for a one (1) year extension to
complete the process.
(2) Inactive Status.
(a) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists may notify the Board, on
forms provided by the Board (See 536-X-5 APPENDICES 2: FORMS
ASSOCIATED WITH THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS) and place their
licenses on inactive status and shall be excused from paying renewal
fees until they notify the board in writing of the intention to
resume active practice.
(b) Any Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist seeking restoration
from inactive status shall do so in accordance with the restoration
section.
(c) Any Marriage and Family Therapist whose license is on inactive
status shall not use the title “Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist (LMFT)” in the State of Alabama. Any person violating this
rule shall be considered to be practicing without a license and
shall be subject to the disciplinary provision of the Marriage and
Family Therapy Licensure Act.
(3) Restoring a License
(a) Any person seeking restoration of a license that has been
expired or placed on inactive status for five (5) years or less may
have the license restored by paying the fees required (see 536-X-5:
APPENDICES 1: FEES) and providing proof of meeting continuing
education requirements during the two (2) years prior to restoration
(see 536-X-6: REQUIRED RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING
EDUCATION EXPERIENCE).
(b) Any person seeking restoration of a license that has been
expired or placed on inactive status for more than five (5) years
shall file an application on approved forms for review by the Board,
together with the required fee (see 536-X-5: APPENDICES 1: FEES) and
proof of meeting continuing education requirements (see 536-X-6:
REQUIRED RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION EXPERIENCE)
during the two (2) years prior to restoration. The applicant shall
also submit either:
1. Sworn evidence of active practice in another jurisdiction. Such
evidence shall include a statement from an appropriate board or
licensing authority in the other jurisdiction that the licensee was
authorized to practice during the term of active practice; or
2. Evidence of having received within the past two (2) years, 50
hours of supervision under a supervisory arrangement approved by the
Board.
(4) Board Meeting Procedure
(a) Any person may be heard by the Board in person or through an
attorney upon written request to the Board office submitted at least
fourteen (14) days prior to the next regularly scheduled Board
Meeting. Requests to address the Board submitted less than fourteen
(14) days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting will be
deferred until the following regularly scheduled meeting.
(b) Board meetings shall be conducted following a written agenda.
The Alabama Open Meetings Act and/or Robert’s Rules of Order, short
form, shall be used as the parliamentary authority for all meetings
of the Board.
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Effective Date: July 10, 2006
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-5
APPENDICES 1
FEES
$300 License Fee for LMFT. License is valid until December 31st of
the year following original licensing year. Upon receipt of notice
of approval for application for licensure, the applicant shall
within sixty (60) days submit the license fee. Failure to submit
such license fee within the above prescribed time shall be deemed
sufficient reason for cancellation of said application.
$300 License Renewal Fee for LMFT if paid by December 31 expiration
date. On or before October 1 of the renewal period; an application
for renewal will be forwarded to the licensee. Renewed License is
valid for two (2) years.
$125 Fine for late renewal of LMFT license if renewed by March 1 of
renewal period. If not renewed by March 1 of the renewal period, the
license is considered expired.
$150 One time fee required of all first time applicants for Board
review of credentials
$25 Renewal fee for Intern
$25 Transfer fee for Intern to Associate designation
$200 Initial and Renewal fee for Associate
$200 Application and approval fee for LMFT Supervisor Candidate
status (valid for three (3) years)
$100 Application and approval fee for LMFT Approved Supervisor
status (valid until renewal date for LMFT license)
$100 Renewal fee for LMFT Approved Supervisor status (valid for two
(2) years)
$100 Application and approval fee for LMFT Approved Supervisor
Mentor (valid until renewal date for LMFT license).
$100 Renewal fee for LMFT Approved Supervisor Mentor (valid for two
(2) years)
$50 Certificate Replacement Fee
$25 License Verification Fee (License Roster available at no cost on
web site)
$50 Mailing Labels for Licensees
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Effective Date: November 21, 2008
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012
CHAPTER 536-X-5
APPENDICES 2
FORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Application for Marriage and Family Therapy Intern
Application for Marriage and Family Therapy Intern Renewal
Application for Marriage and Family Therapy Associate
Application for Marriage and Family Therapy Associate Renewal
Application for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Application for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Renewal
Application for Endorsement for Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist
Application for Supervisor Candidate
Application for Approved Supervisor
Application for Approved Supervisor Renewal
Application for Approved Supervisor Mentor
Application for Approved Supervisor Mentor Renewal
Application for Permission to take the Marriage and Family Therapy
Examination
Application for Inactive Status of License
Application for Restoration of License
Application for Case by Case Approved Supervision
CEU Reporting Form
Author: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
Therapy
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975. §-34-17A-1 thru
§34-17A-26.
Effective Date: July 10, 2006
Amended: Filed December 16, 2011; Effective Date: February 6, 2012