What are general TBCE rules about advertising?

• A. Advertising is unrestricted.
• B. Advertising should exaggerate outcomes to attract clients.
• C. Advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and comply with TBCE rules; avoid guarantees or misrepresentations.
• D. Advertising can promise cure-alls.

Answer: (C)

Advertising for professionals must be truthful, not misleading, and comply with TBCE rules; avoid guarantees or misrepresentations. The board recognizes that advertising can inform clients about services and credentials, but it cannot allow claims that mislead or promise guaranteed outcomes. So, claims should accurately reflect what is offered, include any necessary limitations, and refrain from stating certain results as guaranteed. This is why the best approach is to present factual information about services and qualifications and to avoid sensational or absolute promises.

Unrestricted advertising would bypass important safeguards against deception. Exaggerating outcomes is misleading because it gives a false impression of likely results. Promising cure-alls crosses the line into guaranteed, unrealistic results and is not permissible.