Professional Code of Ethics

Center for Mental Health + Aging's Certification Program

For Certified Mental Health + Aging Specialists

Purpose and Commitment

The Center for Mental Health + Aging has developed this Professional Code of Ethics to ensure the highest standards of professional responsibility, ethical conduct, and quality care for older adults. All certificants who hold the Mental Health + Aging Certification (hereafter referred to as Members) are expected to uphold this Code of Ethics in their professional practice.

Members commit to respecting the dignity and autonomy of clients providing competent and culturally responsive care, combating bias and discrimination and maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity. Adherence to this Code is a condition of certification, and violation of these ethical standards may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of certification credentials.

Terms and Conditions

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE INITIATING YOUR APPLICATION. All users of the Center for Mental Health + Aging certification program agree that access to and use of this certification are subject to the following Code of Ethics.

Certification Application

As a Member, you must be active and in good standing with the state or national board or organization that licenses you, including not being on probationary status for any reason. Members must not have been ethically or professionally denied application to or renewal of their professional membership in local, state, or national associations. Members must not have had their professional or clinical privileges restricted, revoked, or revised in any formal institutional setting based upon professional malpractice.

By applying for certification, Members agree to adhere to the ethical standards established by their professional licensing board and professional discipline (e.g., APA Ethics Code, NASW Code of Ethics, ACA Code of Ethics) in addition to this Code of Ethics.

Professional Responsibility, Competence, and Integrity

Members accept personal and professional responsibility for all actions. Members recognize the extent of their professional competence and training, and practice only within the scope of their professional license. Members understand that the certification does not in any way provide permission to practice outside the scope of any obtained professional license.

As a Member, you acknowledge that the Center for Mental Health + Aging is not liable for your actions or results of your actions at any level, and you accept full responsibility for acquiring and maintaining the necessary training to successfully complete your work. Members commit to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development in geriatric mental health.

Members will only use the provided credentials when they remain current and in good standing. As a Member, you agree to take full responsibility for all your actions and decisions and in no way hold the CMHA or any of its affiliates responsible for the outcomes thereof.

Members will maintain current records with CMHA, notifying in writing of any changes to their professional status, name, or contact information within 15 days. Members will represent themselves in an honest and straightforward manner. Fraudulent, deceitful, misrepresentation, and illegal behavior are not tolerated and may constitute grounds for revocation of certification.

Client Welfare and Combating Ageism

The welfare of clients is paramount. Members commit to providing competent, culturally responsive, and age-appropriate mental health services while respecting client autonomy and protecting confidentiality. Members work to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and comply with all mandatory reporting requirements.

Members actively work to combat bias and discrimination in their practice, in healthcare systems, and in society. This includes challenging age-based stereotypes, advocating for a person’s rights and dignity, and promoting strengths-based perspectives on aging. Members provide affirming, non-discriminatory care to all older adults regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or cognitive status.

Reporting Ethical Violations

Any behavior or actions of yourself or of another Member that would go against this Code of Ethics should be immediately reported to the Center for Mental Health + Aging. Members must adhere to all local, regional, national, and professional laws and regulations which apply to their professional license.

Use of Certification Credentials

Possessing a Mental Health + Aging Certification does not insinuate in any way that you are an employee of the Center or have special clearance or authority beyond what is granted to you by your license. Members may use the appropriate designation following their name only when the credentials are valid and up to date. Members may use the digital badge on digital and printed media when the certification remains valid and up to date.

Upon expiration or revocation of credentials, the usage of any certification designation or digital badge will be immediately terminated.

Certification Renewal, Expiration, or Revocation

As a Member, you maintain your professional credential by complying with renewal requirements outlined in the certification standards. Continuing education must meet the guidelines and approval of the Center for Mental Health + Aging. Recertification training hours must have been taken since you were certificated or last recertified.

Renewals are calculated from the date that your certification was issued. By your renewal date, your certification will need to be renewed by submitting all required documentation and payment. If your certification can no longer be renewed due to a prolonged lapsed period, you can reapply for certification by completing the steps required to initiate certification.

Revocation of certification will be made by a final decision from the Center for Mental Health + Aging. There will be no refund provided in whole or part when revocation is made. Grounds for revocation include violation of this Code of Ethics, loss of professional licensure, disciplinary action by licensing boards, fraudulent conduct, or professional malpractice.

Privacy and Account Security

As a registered Member, you will be asked to establish an account. Do not reveal your account information to anyone else. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account and for all activities that occur on or through your account. You agree to immediately notify our support staff of any security breach of your account. We shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of the unauthorized use of your account.

Certified Professional Registry: Certification, name, and contact information provided by Members for the registry is available on the public registry. All other information is private and secure.

Acknowledgment and Agreement

By applying for or maintaining the Mental Health + Aging Certification, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Professional Code of Ethics. I understand that adherence to this Code is a condition of certification and that violations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of my certification credentials.

I commit to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in my professional practice, honoring the dignity and well-being of all older adults I serve, and adhering to the ethical standards of my professional discipline and licensing board.

When completing your Certification Application, you will be asked to attest that you agree to this code of ethics.