March 11, 2010 

In the provision of alcohol and other drug abuse/dependency services, IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall establish and maintain counselor/client relationships characterized by professionalism, respect, and objectivity.

1. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall not enter into counseling relationships with members of their own family, with close friends, with persons closely connected to them or others whose welfare might be jeopardized by such a dual relationship.

2. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall ensure that services are offered in a respectful manner in an appropriate environment.

3. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall not charge or collect a private fee or other form of compensation for services to a client who is charged for those same services through the counselor’s agency. AODA Counselors shall not engage in fee-splitting.

4. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals in clinical or counseling practice must not use their relationship with clients to promote personal gain or the profit of an agency or commercial enterprise of any kind.

5. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall avoid continuing a counseling relationship (maintaining a case) for personal gain or satisfaction beyond the point where it is clear that the client is not benefiting from the relationship.

6. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall not give or receive a fee, commission, rebate or any other form of compensation for the referral of clients.

7. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall not abandon or neglect clients in treatment and shall assist in making appropriate arrangements for the continuation of treatment, if appropriate, following termination, of treatment.

8. If IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals determine an inability to be of professional assistance to clients, they shall either avoid initiating the counseling relationship or immediately terminate that relationship. In either event, IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall be knowledgeable about referral resources and suggest appropriate alternatives. If clients decline the suggested referral, IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals are not obligated to continue the relationship.

9. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall terminate a counseling relationship, securing client agreement when possible, when it is reasonably clear that the client is no longer benefiting, when services are no longer required, when counseling no longer serves the client’s needs or interests, or when clients do not pay the fees charged by the IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals.

10. In promotional and marketing activities for services, IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall respect the dignity and confidentiality of the clients.

11. IAODAPCA Certified AODA Professionals shall not engage in any sexual relationship, conduct or contact with clients during the time of the counseling relationship or for at least one year thereafter, or if the client or former client becomes or remains "Emotionally dependent" on the counselor [as defined under Illinois Law at 740 ILCS & 140/1 (a)]. AODA counselors in all instances shall not engage in any sexual relationship, conduct or contact through means of any therapeutic deception.

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