Thursday, May 18, 2006

MEAC Opinion 2006-001 Now Online!

Here’s a summary of MEAC Opinion 2006-001 which addresses an advertising issue:

If the quotation provided [“Got Conflict . . . Mediate, Divorce through mediation contested or uncontested. Call 555-5555”] is the complete advertisement and the telephone number relates to a person [or company] that does provide mediation services, it does not violate the mediator’s ethical standard for advertising. However, if the advertising mediator is not competent to mediate the cases advertised, or if there were additional text which was false or misleading, the advertisement would violate Florida’s Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, Rule 10.610.

Rule 10.610. Advertising

A mediator shall not engage in marketing practices which contain false or misleading information. A mediator shall ensure that any advertisements of the mediator’s qualifications, services to be rendered, or the mediation process are accurate and honest. A mediator shall not make claims of achieving specific outcomes or promises implying favoritism for the purpose of obtaining business.

What does your advertising look like?

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