Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 2285 - Ethical Standards of Practice for a Guide Dog Instructor or Guide Dog School

A violation of any ethical standard of practice constitutes grounds for disciplinary action. Every person or entity that holds a license issued by the Board shall comply with the following ethical standards of practice:

(a) A licensee may not release any personal or identifying information regarding a client to any person, other than the Board or its staff, without the client's written permission, unless otherwise allowed by local, state, or federal regulations. A licensee shall obtain written permission from the client before the client is photographed or tape-recorded for examination or other purposes.

(b) A licensee shall comply with the Guide Dog Act, the California Code of Regulations, and all other related local, state, and federal laws.

(c) A guide dog instructor shall not engage in intimidation or coercion of clients, or physical violence or threat of violence to such persons, in a manner contrary to the best interests of guide dog usage.

(d) A guide dog instructor shall provide each client with all services generally associated with or offered by the school and with those services required by the Code or regulations.

(e) A guide dog instructor shall comply with state and federal laws pertaining to non-discrimination.

(f) A guide dog instructor shall take reasonable precautions to avoid imposing or inflicting harm upon the client or to his or her property.

(1) A guide dog instructor shall not exploit clients in any manner.

(2) A guide dog instructor shall avoid relationships or activities that interfere with professional judgment and objectivity.

(g) A guide dog instructor shall collaborate with clients in setting goals and expectations throughout the training process. Decisions regarding continuing or discontinuing instruction will be made with the client and will be based upon evaluation of the client's needs, abilities, and skills.

(h) A guide dog instructor shall fully inform the client of the nature, risks, and potential outcomes of the training and use of a guide dog.

(1) A guide dog instructor shall not make any false, fraudulent, or deceptive statements or claims.

(2) A guide dog instructor shall provide information or materials regarding the training and use of guide dogs in large print, braille, or electronic format as deemed accessible by the client.

(i) A guide dog school shall obtain written permission from clients involved in outreach, education, or fundraising activities and shall retain such permission in the client's record. A guide dog school shall respect the client's right to refuse involvement in outreach, education, or fundraising activities.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 2285

1. New section filed 12-12-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 50).
2. Amendment of section heading, section and NOTE filed 9-10-2014; operative 1-1-2015 (Register 2014, No. 37).

Note: Authority cited: Section 7208, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7208 and 7211.9, Business and Professions Code.

1. New section filed 12-12-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 50).
2. Amendment of section heading, section and Note filed 9-10-2014; operative 1/1/2015 (Register 2014, No. 37).