Code of Maine Rules
02 - DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION
514 - BOARD OF COUNSELING PROFESSIONALS LICENSURE
Chapter 8-A - CODE OF ETHICS
Section 514-8-A-8 - Measurement and Evaluation
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
When using assessment instruments or techniques, the counselor shall make every effort to promote the welfare and best interests of the client. The counselor guards against the misuse of assessment results and respects the client's rights to know the results, the interpretations and the basis for any conclusions or recommendations.
Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Failing to provide the client with specific orientation or information regarding the purpose of testing or the proposed use of the tests prior to administration of assessment instruments or techniques in language that the client can understand;
2. Failing to evaluate carefully the specific theoretical bases, validity, reliability, and appropriateness of test measures for use in a given situation or with a particular client;
3. Using unsupervised or inadequately supervised test-taking techniques with clients, such as testing through mail, unless the test is specifically self-administered or self-scored;
4. Using test instruments beyond the licensee's or registrant's competence for administration, scoring and interpretation;
5. Using client test results that have become obsolete;
6. Failing to acquire the competence and knowledge required in the use of electronic data and computer-based systems, including familiarity with scoring as well as evidence of validity for specific interpretations;
7. Failing to ensure that data maintained in electronic storage is secure, and that this data is destroyed when the information is no longer of value in providing services; and
8. Failing to recognize cultural bias in the evaluation and interpretation of test results of minority group members.
