Sec. 10.58.03.10. Physical Contact

A. A counselor engaging in nontraditional treatment modalities using physical contact with a client shall document in a client's record:

(1) An assessment of a client;

(2) A written rationale for the use of the physical contact treatment modality for a client; and

(3) A copy of the informed consent, signed and dated by the client and the counselor which addresses:

(a) The risks and benefits of the physical contact treatment modality;

(b) The objective or objectives and intended outcome or outcomes of the proposed treatment;

(c) Available alternative interventions; and

(d) A description of the physical contact which may be reasonably anticipated by a client in the course of the proposed treatment.

B. A counselor may not engage in a treatment modality involving physical contact if the risk of psychological harm to a client, as a result of the physical contact, has been assessed by a counselor to outweigh the possible benefits of the treatment, independent of a client's wishes.