R156-60b. Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule, R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Utah Administrative Code

Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019)

R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing

R156-60b. Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule

R156-60b-302a. Qualifications for Licensure - Education Requirements

Latest version.

(1) Pursuant to Subsection 58-60-305(1)(d), an applicant applying for licensure as a marriage and family therapist shall:

(a) produce certified transcripts evidencing completion of a clinical master's or doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education at the time the applicant obtained the education; or

(b)(i) produce certified transcripts evidencing completion of a clinical master's degree in marriage and family therapy or equivalent from a program accredited by a professional accrediting body approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation of the American Council on Education at the time the applicant obtained the education.

(ii) A program under Subsection (1)(b)(i) shall include the following:

(A) six semester hours/nine quarter hours of course work in theoretical foundations of marital and family therapy;

(B) nine semester hours/12 quarter hours of course work in assessment and treatment in marriage and family therapy, including Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM);

(C) six semester hours/nine quarter hours of course work in human development and family studies which include ethnic minority issues, and gender issues including sexuality, sexual functioning, and sexual identity;

(D) three semester hours/four quarter hours in professional ethics;

(E) three semester hours/four quarter hours in research methodology and data analysis;

(F) three semester hours/four quarter hours in electives in marriage and family therapy; and

(G) a clinical practicum of not fewer than 600 hours which includes not fewer than 100 hours of face to face supervision and not fewer than 500 direct contact hours of face to face supervised clinical practice of which not less than 250 hours shall be with couples or families who are physically present in the therapy room.

R156-60b-302b. Qualifications for Licensure - Experience Requirements

Latest version.

(1) Pursuant to Subsections 58-60-305(1)(e) and (f), an applicant shall complete marriage and family therapy and mental health therapy training consisting of a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised training which shall:

(a) be completed in not less than two years;

(b) be completed while the applicant is an employee of a public or private agency engaged in mental health therapy;

(c) be completed under the supervision of a marriage and family therapist supervisor meeting the requirements under Section 58-60-307;

(d) include at least 100 hours of direct supervision spread uniformly throughout the training period;

(e) in accordance with Subsection 58-60-305(1)(f), include a minimum of 1,000 hours of mental health therapy of which at least 500 hours are in couple or family therapy with two or more clients participating and at least one physically present; and

(f) hours completed in a group therapy session may count only if the supervisee functions as the primary therapist.

(2) An applicant for licensure as a marriage and family therapist, who is not seeking licensure by endorsement based upon licensure in another jurisdiction, who has completed all or part of the marriage and family therapy training requirements outside the state, may receive credit for that training completed outside of the state if it is demonstrated by the applicant that the training completed outside the state is equivalent to and in all respects meets the requirements for training under Subsections 58-60-305(1)(e) and (f), and Subsection R156-60b-302b(1). The applicant shall have the burden of demonstrating by evidence satisfactory to the Division and Board that the training completed outside the state is equivalent to and in all respects meets the requirements under this subsection.

R156-60b-302c. Qualifications for Licensure - Examination Requirements

Latest version.

Pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 58-60-305(1)(g), an applicant for licensure as a marriage and family therapist must pass the Examination of Marital and Family Therapy written for the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.

R156-60b-302d. Qualifications to be a Marriage and Family Therapist Training Supervisor

Latest version.

Pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 58-60-307(1), to be qualified as a marriage and family therapist supervisor for training required under Subsections 58-60-305(1)(e) and (f), an individual shall:

(1) be licensed as a marriage and family therapist in good standing for not less than two years;

(2) be currently licensed as a marriage and family therapist in the state in which the training is being performed; and

(3) meet one of the following three options:

(a) be currently approved by AAMFT as a marriage and family therapist supervisor;

(b) have successfully completed a supervision course in a Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accredited marriage and family therapy (MFT) program at an accredited university; or

(c)(i) have successfully completed 20 clock hours of instruction sponsored by AAMFT or the Utah Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (UAMFT).

(ii) The instruction under Subsection (3)(c)(i) shall include the following:

(A) four hours of review of models of MFT and supervision;

(B) eight hours of MFT supervision processes and practice;

(D) four hours of AAMFT Code of Ethics, state rules and case studies related to MFT supervision.

R156-60b-302e. Duties and Responsibilities of a Supervisor of Marriage and Family Therapist and Mental Health Therapy Training

Latest version.

The duties and responsibilities of a marriage and family therapist supervisor are further defined, clarified or established to provide the supervisor shall:

(1) be professionally responsible for the acts and practices of the supervisee which are a part of the required supervised training;

(2) be engaged in a relationship with the supervisee in which the supervisor is independent from control by the supervisee and in which the ability of the supervisor to supervise and direct the practice of the supervisee is not compromised;

(3) be available for advice, consultation, and direction consistent with the standards and ethics of the profession and the requirements suggested by the total circumstances including the supervisee's level of training, diagnosis of patients, and other factors known to the supervisee and supervisor;

(4) provide periodic review of the client records assigned to the supervisee;

(5) comply with the confidentiality requirements of Section 58-60-114;

(6) monitor the performance of the supervisee for compliance with laws, standards, and ethics applicable to the practice of marriage and family therapy and report violations to the Division;

(7) supervise only a supervisee who is an employee of a public or private mental health agency;

(8) submit appropriate documentation to the Division with respect to all work completed by the supervisee evidencing the performance of the supervisee during the period of supervised marriage and family therapist training and mental health therapist training, including the supervisor's evaluation of the supervisee's competence in the practice of marriage and family therapy and mental health therapy;

(9) complete four hours of the required 40 hours of continuing professional education directly related to marriage and family therapy supervisor training in each two year continuing professional education period established;

(10) supervise not more than three supervisees at any given time unless approved by the Board and Division;

(11) provide at least one hour of face to face supervision for each ten hours of client contact by the supervisee.

R156-60b-101. Title

Latest version.

This rule is known as the "Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule".

R156-60b-102. Definitions

Latest version.

In addition to the definitions in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 60, as used in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 60, or this rule:

(1) "AAMFT" means the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

(2) "Deficiency", as used in Subsection 58-60-117(1)(d), means no more than a combined total of six semester or eight quarter hours in:

(a) theoretical foundations of marital and family therapy;

(b) assessment and treatment in marriage and family therapy, including Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM);

(c) human development and family studies which include ethnic minority issues, and gender issues including sexuality, sexual functioning, and sexual identity;

(d) research methodology and data analysis; and

(e) electives in marriage and family therapy.

(3) "Directly related to marriage and family therapy", as used in R156-60b-304(2)(a), means that the continuing education course meets at least one of the following criteria:

(a) approved by an international, national, or state marriage and family therapy association, national or state marriage and family therapy regulatory board, or a COAMFTE accredited program; or

(b) title, objective, or official description of the course indicates instruction on relationships, couples, or families.

(4) "Face to face supervision" as described in Subsection R156-60b-302a(1)(b)(ii)(G) includes both individual and group supervision.

(5) "Group supervision" means supervision between the supervisor and no more than three supervisees, unless preapproved by the Board.

(6) "Individual supervision" means supervision between the supervisor and one or two supervisees.

(7) "Practicum", as used in R156-60b-302a(1)(b)(ii)(G) means a clinical program of training at an accredited school under general supervision in a setting other than a student's private practice.

(8) "Unprofessional conduct" as defined in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 60, is further defined, in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203(1)(e), in Section R156-60b-502.

R156-60b-103. Authority - Purpose

Latest version.

This rule is adopted by the Division under the authority of Subsection 58-1-106(1)(a) to enable the Division to administer Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 3.

R156-60b-104. Organization - Relationship to R156-1

Latest version.

The organization of this rule and its relationship to Rule R156-1 is as described in Section R156-1-107.

R156-60b-303. Renewal Cycle - Procedures

Latest version.

(1) In accordance with Subsection 58-1-308(1), the renewal date for the two-year renewal cycle applicable to licenses under Title 58, Chapter 60, is established by rule in Section R156-1-308a(1).

(2) Renewal procedures shall be in accordance with Section R156-1-308c.

R156-60b-304. Continuing Education

Latest version.

(1) In accordance with Section 58-60-105, there is hereby established a continuing education requirement for all individuals licensed under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 3, as a marriage and family therapist.

(2) During each two year period commencing October 1st of each even numbered year, a marriage and family therapist shall be required to complete not fewer than 40 hours of continuing education directly related to the licensee's professional practice of which:

(a) at least 15 hours must be directly related to marriage and family therapy; and

(b) at least six hours must be in ethics/law, of which at least three hours must be directly related to marriage and family therapy.

(3) The required number of hours of continuing education for an individual who first becomes licensed during the two year period shall be decreased in a pro-rata amount equal to any part of that two year period preceding the date on which that individual first became licensed.

(4) Continuing education under this section shall:

(a) be relevant to the licensee's professional practice;

(b) be prepared and presented by individuals who are qualified by education, training, and experience to provide continuing education relevant to the practice of a mental health therapist; and

(5) Credit for continuing education shall be recognized in accordance with the following:

(a) unlimited hours shall be recognized for continuing education completed in blocks of time of not less than one hour in formally established classroom courses, seminars, or conferences which meet the criteria listed in Subsection (4) above, and which are approved by, conducted by, or under the sponsorship of universities, colleges or professional associations, societies and organizations representing a licensed profession whose program objectives relate to the practice of mental health therapy;

(b) a maximum of 14 hours per two year period may be recognized for:

(i) teaching courses under Subsection (5)(a); or

(ii) supervision of an individual completing the experience requirement for licensure as a mental health therapist;

(c) a maximum of 15 hours per two year period may be recognized for clinical readings, internet or distance learning courses directly related to practice as a mental health therapist; and

(d) a maximum of two hours per two year period may be for continuing education from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

(6) A licensee shall be responsible for maintaining competent records of completed continuing education for a period of four years.

(7) A licensee requesting a waiver of the continuing education requirement must comply with requirements as established by rule in R156-1-308d.

(8) If a licensee completes more than the required number of hours of continuing education during a two year renewal cycle specified in Subsection (2), up to ten hours of the excess over the required number may be carried over to the next two year renewal cycle. No education received prior to a license being granted may be carried forward to apply towards the continuing education required after the license is granted.

R156-60b-306. License Reinstatement - Requirements

Latest version.

An applicant for reinstatement of his license after two years following expiration of that license shall be required to meet the following reinstatement requirements:

(1) upon request, meet with the Board for the purpose of evaluating the applicant's current ability to engage safely and competently in practice as a marriage and family therapist and to make a determination of any additional education, experience or examination requirements which will be required before reinstatement;

(2) upon the recommendation of the Board, establish a plan of supervision under an approved supervisor which may include up to 4,000 hours of marriage and family therapy and mental health therapy training as a marriage and family therapist-temporary;

(3) pass the Examination of Marital and Family Therapy of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists if it is determined by the Board that current taking and passing of the examination is necessary to demonstrate the applicant's ability to engage safely and competently in practice as a marriage and family therapist; and

(4) complete a minimum of 40 hours of professional education in subjects determined by the board as necessary to ensure the applicant's ability to engage safely and competently in practice as a marriage and family therapist.

R156-60b-502. Unprofessional Conduct

Latest version.

"Unprofessional conduct" includes:

(1) acting as a supervisor or accepting supervision of a supervisor without complying with or ensuring the compliance with the requirements of Sections R156-60b-302d and R156-60b-302e;

(2) engaging in the supervised practice of mental health therapy when not in compliance with Subsections R156-60b-302b;

(3) engaging in and aiding or abetting conduct or practices which are dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent;

(4) engaging in or aiding or abetting deceptive or fraudulent billing practices;

(5) failing to maintain professional boundaries with a client within two years after the formal termination of therapy or last professional contact, with or without client consent, including engaging in any of the following:

(a) dual or multiple relationships; or

(b) romantic, intimate or sexual relationship;

(6) if engaging in any activity or relationship referenced in Subsection (5) with a client after two years following the formal termination of therapy or last professional contact, failing to demonstrate that there has been no exploitation or injury to the client or to the client's immediate family;

(7) engaging in sexual activities or sexual contact with client's relatives or other individuals with whom the client maintains a relationship when that individual is especially vulnerable or susceptible to being disadvantaged because of the personal history, current mental status, or any condition which could reasonably be expected to place that individual at a disadvantage recognizing the power imbalance which exists or may exist between the marriage and family therapist and that individual;

(8) physical contact with a client when there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client resulting from the contact;

(9) engaging in or aiding or abetting sexual harassment or any conduct which is exploitive or abusive with respect to a student, trainee, employee, or colleague with whom the licensee has supervisory or management responsibility;

(10) failing to render impartial, objective, and informed services, recommendations or opinions with respect to custodial or parental rights, divorce, domestic relationships, adoptions, sanity, competency, mental health or any other determination concerning an individual's civil or legal rights;

(11) exploiting a client for personal gain;

(12) use of a professional client relationship to exploit a person that is known to have a personal relationship with a client for personal gain;

(13) failing to maintain appropriate client records for a period of not less than ten years from the documented termination of services to the client;

(14) failing to obtain informed consent from the client or legal guardian before taping, recording or permitting third party observations of client care or records;

(15) failure to cooperate with the Division during an investigation; and

(16) failure to abide by provisions 1 to 8.8 of the Code of Ethics of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) as adopted by the AAMFT effective July 1, 2012, which is adopted and incorporated by reference.