The AAMFT code of ethics shall govern the conduct of marital and family therapists registered with the board.

1. (1) The certified marital and family therapists and licensed marital and family therapists and anyone under their supervision shall conduct their professional practice in conformity with the legal, ethical and professional standards promulgated by the Board under its current statutes and rules and regulations.

2. (2) All licensees and certificate holders shall comply with the current code of ethics adopted by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), except to the extent that it conflicts with the laws of the state of Tennessee or the rules of the Board. If the code of ethics conflicts with state law or rules, the state law or rules govern the matter. Violation of the codes of ethics or state law or rules may subject a licensee or certificate holder to disciplinary action.

   1. (a) Each applicant, certificate holder, or licensee is responsible for being familiar with and following this code of ethics.
   2. (b) A copy of this code of ethics may be obtained by writing the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 1133 15th Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20005-2710.
3. (3) In the event an applicant, certificate holder, licensee, or other individual has a question regarding legal, ethical, and professional standards neither the Board nor its administrative personnel shall consider such questions unless presented with a proper petition for a declaratory order, subject to the requirements set forth in T.C.A. § 4-5-223.
4. (4) In addition to the other requirements of this rule, all licensees and certificate holders who practice marital and family therapy electronically shall comply with the Online Ethical Advisory Opinions adopted by the AAMFT, www.aamft.org, except to the extent that they conflict with the laws of the state of Tennessee or the rules of the Board. If the standards for the ethical practice of marital and family therapy over the Internet conflict with state law or rules, the state law or rules govern the matter. Violation of the standards for the ethical practice of marital and family therapy over the Internet or state law or rules may subject a licensee or certificate holder to disciplinary action.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 4-5-210, 4-5-223, 63-22-102, 63-22-106, 63-22-110, and 63-22- 115. Administrative History: Original rule filed April 29, 1992; effective June 13, 1992. Amendment filed April 10, 2002; effective June 24, 2002. Amendment filed August 16, 2002; effective October 30, 2002. Amendment filed July 30, 2003; effective October 13, 2003. Amendments filed May 14, 2019; effective August 12, 2019. Amendments expired pursuant to Chapter 653, § 1 of the 2020 Public Acts, effective April 2, 2020, and the rules reverted to their previous statuses.