Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 17, September 10, 2024
A.
Whenever exemption from the Board's jurisdiction is claimed based on an
assertion of the practice of religious ministry as stated in section
12-245-217(1),
C.R.S., the Board shall consider factors, including but not limited to those
listed below, which, taken together and placed within the context of the
incident in question, would tend to reasonably indicate that the person seeking
the exemption was engaged in the practice of religious ministry. Before taking
action on a complaint, the Board shall consider the following factors and other
information that indicates the person claiming exemption was not engaged in the
practice of religious ministry at the time of the alleged violation of the
statute. If the Board determines that this exemption applies, and the Licensee
was practicing religious ministry, The Board will have no jurisdiction to take
any further action on the complaint.
B. In determining whether the practice of
psychotherapy has occurred, the Board analyzes activities and the basic nature
of the interaction among the persons involved. The analysis focuses on what
occurred, on how it occurred, and on why it occurred.
C.
Factors.
1. Whether the client or guardian had
received notice or reasonably understood that the therapy in question was a
part of religious practice/ministry.
2. Whether the client or guardian was seeking
therapy from a religious organization to which the complainant belonged at any
time.
3. Whether a written
agreement or disclosure existed that stated that the therapy in question was
part of religious practice/belief.
4. Whether the therapy services were
conducted in a house of worship or on property belonging to a religious
organization.
5. Whether the
provider of the therapy normally represents themselves as a religious official
who is counseling as part of a religious ministry.
6. Whether the therapy services were part of
an on-going relationship, formed because the provider is a spiritual counselor
to the client.
7. Whether the
provider of psychotherapy services holds a position of trust within a religious
organization.
8. Whether the
provider of the therapy services advertise psychotherapy services to the
general public for a fee.
9.
Whether the provider of the therapy services collects fees or expects/requires
donations, offerings, tithes, etc.
10. Whether the therapy services provided are
based on any religious orientation or viewpoint.
11. Whether the provider engaged in the
practice of therapy services accountable or subject to any religious
organization or person for misdeeds or acts of misconduct.
12. Whether the provider of therapy services
is a member of a religious organization recognized by the Internal Revenue
Service. Does the organization hold 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status?
13. Whether the provider of therapy services
is trained in theology or any other field, area, or specialty related to the
study of a religious or spiritual orientation.
14. Whether the service was provided is
within a private practice setting.
15. Whether the provider of the therapy
services has a declaration of religious mission or a statement identifying the
religious views or beliefs of the organization or person.
