OR MFT Jurisprudence cheat sheet

ORS Chapter 675 governs professional counselors and marriage and family therapists; OAR Chapter 833 contains the implementing administrative rules.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) titles are protected; using them without a license violates ORS 675.020 and related provisions.

OAR 833-030-0000 sets the supervised clinical experience requirement: 2,400 hours of supervised clinical experience for LPC; LMFT requires 1,500 direct client contact hours and 200 hours of supervision according to OAR 833-050-0000.

Continuing education: LPC and LMFT must complete 20 clock hours per renewal cycle, including 6 hours in ethics, per OAR 833-030-0030 and 833-050-0030.

Licenses renew every two years; renewal requires attestation of continuing education and compliance with Oregon laws.

The Board may impose civil penalties, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license for violations under ORS 675.070 and OAR 833-020-0000.

Oregon requires licensed counselors and therapists to provide a professional disclosure statement to clients before services begin (ORS 675.065; OAR 833-030-0005).

Mandatory reporting of child abuse: ORS 419B.010 requires any licensed professional to report suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services or law enforcement.

Scope of practice for LPC: counseling and psychotherapy that integrates a broad range of helping strategies; for LMFT: assessment and treatment of relational and family systems (ORS 675.010 definitions).

Supervision requirements for licensure candidates: at least 100 hours of direct supervision for LPC, with at least 50 hours individual, per OAR 833-030-0000; LMFT requires 200 hours of supervision, including 100 individual hours (OAR 833-050-0000).

Supervisors must be licensed in the same or closely related discipline and approved by the Board; supervisor qualifications are in OAR 833-030-0010 and 833-050-0010.

Supervision must be documented with signed logs and evaluations; the Board may audit supervision records.

A licensed supervisor may supervise no more than six licensure candidates at one time unless granted an exception by the Board.

Unlicensed practice: offering to perform or performing counseling or therapy without a license is prohibited; exceptions exist for students in supervised practicum, clergy, and certain state employees.

Licensure by reciprocity: the Board may issue a license to an applicant licensed in another state with equivalent requirements (ORS 675.040; OAR 833-030-0020).

Temporary practice permits may be issued to applicants who meet qualifications and are awaiting examination results.

Informed consent must cover the nature of therapy, risks, benefits, alternatives, fees, confidentiality limits, and the right to withdraw consent.

Professional disclosure statement must include the licensee's name, license type, business address, fees, and a statement that the client may file a complaint with the Board (OAR 833-030-0005).

Confidentiality exceptions include: suspected child or elder abuse, imminent danger to self or others, court order, and client waiver.

Dual relationships are prohibited when they could impair professional judgment or exploit the client; sexual relationships with current clients are always prohibited and may constitute a felony.

Ethical standards are enforced by the Board; violations may lead to discipline. The Board uses the ACA Code of Ethics or AAMFT Code as guidance.

Records must be kept for at least seven years after termination of services, or longer for minors (until age 18 plus seven years), per OAR 833-030-0025.

Fees and billing practices must be disclosed in advance; bartering is permitted only if written agreement and not exploitative.

When providing services via telehealth, licensees must comply with Oregon telehealth laws and ensure confidentiality and informed consent.

Complaints are filed with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists; the Board investigates and may dismiss or proceed to disciplinary action.

Disciplinary process includes notice, opportunity for hearing, and appeal rights under the Administrative Procedures Act (ORS 183).

Mandatory reporting of child abuse: ORS 419B.010 requires licensed professionals to report suspected child abuse to DHS or law enforcement immediately by phone, followed by written report within 48 hours if requested.

Mandatory reporting of elder abuse: ORS 124.050 requires reporting suspected abuse of a person 65 or older or a person with a disability to the local Area Agency on Aging or law enforcement.

Failure to report suspected abuse is a violation and may result in license discipline and criminal penalties.

The Board may take emergency suspension action if there is imminent danger to the public (ORS 183.430).

Licensees must self-report any arrest, charge, or conviction within 10 days to the Board (OAR 833-020-0010).

The Board publishes disciplinary actions on its website; licensees must cooperate with investigations, and failure to cooperate is a separate violation.