Code of Maine Rules
02 - DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION
514 - BOARD OF COUNSELING PROFESSIONALS LICENSURE
Chapter 8-B - CLIENT BILL OF RIGHTS; DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS
Section 514-8-B-1 - Client Bill of Rights

1. Text

The client bill of rights reads as follows:

"Clients have the right-

- To expect that a counselor has met the licensure or registration requirements of state law and rule;

- To examine a counselor's licensing credentials;

- To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics of the Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure;

- To file a complaint against a counselor with the board;

- To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving services;

- To expect complete confidentiality except as required by law; and

- To refuse any recommended services and to be advised of the consequences of this action.

The practice of counseling is regulated by the Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure. The board is authorized by law to discipline counselors who violate the board's law or rules. To learn about the complaint process, or to file a complaint against a counselor, contact:

Complaint Coordinator

Office of Licensing and Registration

35 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333

Tel: (207) 624-8660

Web: www.maine.gov/professionallicensing

2. Distribution by Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Pastoral Counselors

A licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed pastoral counselor shall personally give a copy of the client bill of rights adopted in Section 1(1) of this chapter to each client in hand at the commencement of the counseling relationship.

3. Signature and Distribution by Registered Counselors

A registered counselor shall sign the client bill of rights adopted in Section 1(1) of this chapter and shall personally give a copy of the signed client bill of rights to each client in hand at the commencement of the counseling relationship.