Nbc Codes

ETHICS CASE PROCEDURES

INTRODUCTION

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) develops and promotes high ethical standards for counselors. NBCC requires that certified counselors meet these standards. The following disciplinary procedures are the rules for processing possible violations of NBCC ethics directives. These rules are applicable to NBCC certificants and applicants. This document identifies the only procedures for handling ethics cases brought to the attention of NBCC. When counselors apply for certification or recertification, they agree to abide by the NBCC policies, including the Code of Ethics (Code) and the Ethics Case Procedures. In addition, certified counselors and applicants for certification agree that (a) these procedures are a fair process for resolving all ethics matters, (b) they will be bound by decisions made pursuant to these procedures, (c) these procedures are governed by the principles of the laws of the State of North Carolina and (d) these procedures do not constitute a contract between NBCC and the certificant or applicant.

SECTION A:

1.

GENERAL

NBCC Process: These procedures identify the means to resolve ethical concerns regarding an applicant or certificant’s conduct. NBCC has the exclusive authority to end any ethics inquiry or case, regardless of circumstances. By applying for certification or recertification, counselors voluntarily agree that they will abide by the Code and will not challenge the results of any NBCC action taken under these policies in a legal or government forum. These ethics procedures are not formal legal proceedings; therefore, many legal rules and practices are not observed. NBCC will review the pertinent information presented when considering ethics matters. The NBCC Ethics Case Procedures are designed to operate without the assistance of attorneys. Anyone may be represented by an attorney with respect to ethics proceedings and procedures, at that individual’s sole expense. However,...