24.219.1207    DUAL RELATIONSHIPS

(1) The licensee shall avoid dual relationships and other situations which might produce a conflict of interest when performing parenting plan evaluations.

(a) The licensee shall not conduct a parenting plan evaluation in a case in which the licensee has served or can reasonably anticipate serving in a therapeutic role for the child or the child's immediate family, or has had other significant involvement; e.g., social, personal, business, or professional, that may compromise the licensee's objectivity.

(b) The licensee may not accept any of the involved participants in the parenting plan evaluation as therapy clients, either during or after the evaluation.

(c) The licensee who is asked to testify regarding a therapy client who is involved in a parenting plan case, shall be aware of the limitations and possible biases inherent in such a role and the possible impact on the ongoing therapeutic relationship. If required to testify, the licensee may not give an expert opinion regarding parenting plan issues, and shall limit the licensee's testimony to factual issues.

History: 37-1-131, 37-22-201, MCA; IMP, 37-1-131, 37-22-102, 37-22-201, 37-23-102, MCA; NEW, 2011 MAR p. 2038, Eff. 9/23/11.