Ethics, Boundaries & Communication

Lesson 11 of 11

Business Ethics, Laws & Regulation

Ethical practice includes truthful business conduct and compliance with the rules where services are offered. Licensing boards or other regulators may set standards, investigate complaints, and impose discipline within their authority. Scope of practice, mandatory reporting, disability access, privacy, and advertising rules vary across jurisdictions. Verify current requirements through official sources rather than relying on assumptions or informal advice.

Key points

• Describe training, credentials, services, outcomes, and fees accurately in all advertising.
• Do not promise cures, guaranteed outcomes, or credentials you do not hold.
• Disclose fees, cancellation terms, and material service conditions before booking or treatment.
• Know the regulator, renewal requirements, complaint channels, and scope rules for your location.
• Understand who must report suspected abuse, neglect, or other events, and when.
• Follow applicable accessibility duties; the ADA applies in the United States, with other laws elsewhere.
• Keep required records, protect client information, and cooperate appropriately with lawful oversight.

Key terms

Licensing board

A public regulator that oversees licensure and practice under its jurisdiction's laws.

Scope of practice

The legally defined limits of services and activities a practitioner may perform.

Mandatory reporting

A legal duty to notify a designated authority about specified events or suspicions.

ADA

The U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, which addresses disability-based discrimination and access.

Truthful advertising

Marketing that accurately represents credentials, services, fees, and substantiated claims.

Regulatory compliance

Following applicable licensing, practice, reporting, and business requirements.

Accessibility

Designing or adapting services so people with disabilities can access them as required.