2.1 Professional Conduct, ACA Code of Ethics, and BBHL Standards

The Regulatory Framework of LPCs in Oklahoma

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Oklahoma are regulated by a robust legal and ethical framework designed primarily to protect the public from incompetent or harmful practices. The authority to license and regulate counseling professionals is vested in the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (BBHL), located at 3815 N. Santa Fe, Suite 110, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. The Board operates under the statutory authority of the Licensed Professional Counselors Act, compiled in the Oklahoma Statutes under Title 59, Sections 1901 through 1920 (59 O.S. §§ 1901–1920). The specific rules and regulations that define professional conduct, licensing standards, and disciplinary procedures are codified in the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) Title 86, Chapter 10 (OAC 86:10).

While national associations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) publish the ACA Code of Ethics, counselors in Oklahoma must recognize that the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC 86:10) represents state law. In the event of a conflict between the ACA Code of Ethics and the OAC rules, the rules promulgated by the Oklahoma BBHL always take legal precedence. The ACA Code serves as a foundational guide for professional ethics, but the OAC rules are the legally binding standard of practice.

Licensing Fees, Renewals, and Timelines

To maintain an active license, Oklahoma LPCs must adhere to strict administrative timelines and financial requirements. Following the initial two-year licensing period, the LPC license must be renewed annually.

• Annual Renewal Deadline: LPC licenses expire annually on June 30th. The renewal application and fee must be submitted on or before this date.
• Fees and Late Fees: The standard annual renewal fee is $80.00. Late renewal within the 12-month suspension grace period incurs a $25.00 late fee, totaling $105.00.
• Reinstatement: During suspension, clinical practice is prohibited. Reinstatement requires paying fees and submitting continuing education proof.
• Expiration: If not reinstated within 12 months, the license permanently expires, requiring a full reapplication under current rules, including examinations.

Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements

Continuing education is a mandatory vehicle for ensuring ongoing clinical competence. Under OAC 86:10-11-3, LPCs must complete a minimum of 20 clock hours of counseling-related continuing education during each annual renewal period.

• Ethics Requirement: At least 3 of the 20 required hours must be dedicated to counseling ethics. These hours must address ethical dilemmas and professional boundaries.
• Supervision Requirement: LPCs who hold the status of Approved Supervisor must complete an additional 3 hours of continuing education specifically focused on counseling supervision. This means an approved supervisor must complete a total of 23 hours annually (20 standard hours, including 3 in ethics, plus 3 in supervision).
• Online Learning: There is no longer a limit on the number of hours that can be completed online. All 20 hours may be earned through approved online webinars or courses.

Standards of Professional Conduct

OAC 86:10-3-1 and 86:10-3-2 lay down the explicit standards of professional conduct that govern the daily practice of LPCs:

1. Display of License: LPCs must display the original license certificate in a prominent location at their primary place of business. Duplicate licenses must be obtained from the Board for display at secondary offices.
2. Professional Disclosure Statement: Prior to performing counseling services, an LPC must provide the client with a written Professional Disclosure Statement. This document must be reviewed with the client, signed by both parties, and kept in the client’s file. The statement must contain: the LPC's credentials, the address and telephone number of the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (BBHL), clinical areas of expertise, fee schedule, billing policies, and client rights.
3. Reporting Personal Changes: Licensees are required to notify the Board of any change in name, residential address, or primary business address within 30 days of the change.

The Board Complaint Process (Request for Inquiry)

When an LPC is suspected of violating the LPC Act or Board rules, any individual may file a formal complaint, known as a Request for Inquiry (RFI), with the BBHL at no cost.

• Review and Referral: The Executive Director reviews the RFI for jurisdiction. Valid inquiries go to the Complaint Committee (composed of the Director, Board counsel, and Board members).
• Confidentiality: Under 59 O.S. § 1917, all RFI files and investigations are confidential and exempt from open records requests.
• Resolution: The committee may recommend dismissal, an informal disposition (Letter of Concern or Consent Agreement), or a formal Board hearing. The Board can issue reprimands, probation, suspension, revocation, or fines up to $10,000 per violation.

Key Comparison: ACA Code vs. Oklahoma BBHL Rules