1. A. A counselor engaging in nontraditional treatment modalities using physical contact with a client shall document in a client's record:

   1. (1) An assessment of a client;
   2. (2) A written rationale for the use of the physical contact treatment modality for a client; and

   3. (3) A copy of the informed consent, signed and dated by the client and the counselor which addresses:

      1. (a) The risks and benefits of the physical contact treatment modality;
      2. (b) The objective or objectives and intended outcome or outcomes of the proposed treatment;
      3. (c) Available alternative interventions; and
      4. (d) A description of the physical contact which may be reasonably anticipated by a client in the course of the proposed treatment.
2. B. A counselor may not engage in a treatment modality involving physical contact if the risk of psychological harm to a client, as a result of the physical contact, has been assessed by a counselor to outweigh the possible benefits of the treatment, independent of a client's wishes.

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§1-212 and 17-205, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: July 10, 1989 (16:13 Md. R. 1422)

Chapter revised effective April 3, 2000 (27:6 Md. R. 642)

Regulations .01—.06 repealed and new Regulations .01—.11 adopted effective October 1, 2001 (28:19 Md. R. 1685)