What are some roles of the board?

The role of the board, particularly in the context of professional counseling in Tennessee, is primarily focused on regulatory functions that ensure the integrity and efficacy of the counseling profession. Conducting hearings is a crucial responsibility as it allows the board to address complaints against licensed counselors, enforce compliance with regulations, and take necessary disciplinary actions when guidelines are violated.

Additionally, establishing continuing education (CE) requirements is essential for promoting professional development and maintaining high standards of practice within the field. These CE requirements help ensure that licensed counselors stay updated with the latest practices, guidelines, and ethical considerations, which ultimately benefits both practitioners and clients.

The other options misrepresent the core responsibilities of the board. Managing financial operations and public relations, developing therapy techniques, conducting research, and overseeing marketing strategies are typically outside the jurisdiction of a regulatory board. Instead, these activities are usually handled by individual practitioners or organizations within the counseling field, not by the governing body that oversees licensure and regulatory compliance. The focus of the board is primarily on maintaining standards, protecting the public, and fulfilling regulatory functions rather than on the operational aspects of counseling practices.