1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Spiritual Care Association (“SCA”). The use of SCA services, including websites, platforms, and programs, is governed by the policies, terms and conditions set forth below. Please read them carefully. Your use of SCA indicates your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. SCA and its affiliate, HealthCare Chaplaincy Network (“HCCN”), reserve the right to make changes to SCA services and these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be effective upon posting with a revised date. Continued use constitutes acceptance..

2. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

All applications for membership are subject to approval of SCA. SCA reserves the right, in its discretion and in accordance with applicable law, to deny, suspend, or terminate membership.

3. PAYMENT OF MEMBERSHIP FEE

Payment of the membership fee is required at the time of application unless invoice arrangements are approved. Payment is charged or debited at the completion of checkout. SCA/HCCN uses secure encrypted payment processing systems. SCA accepts payment via Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You authorize SCA to charge your selected payment method and agree to comply with the terms of your payment provider. If membership renews automatically, you authorize recurring billing unless cancelled prior to renewal.

4. REFUNDS

Except where required by applicable law, all membership fees are final and non-refundable.

5. NO VOTING RIGHTS

Membership in SCA does not confer voting rights or governance authority, including any right to vote in the election of directors or officers or on matters affecting governance.

6. PRIVACY

Your privacy is important to us. SCA collects and processes information for membership administration, program delivery, communications, and organizational operations. Information may be shared with service providers and partners as necessary to operate SCA services, subject to appropriate safeguards and applicable law. Additional details are provided in SCA’s Privacy Policy.

7. SHARING YOUR CONTENT AND INFORMATION

You retain ownership of content you post on SCA. By submitting content, you grant SCA a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute such content for operational, educational, and promotional purposes.

8. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

As a member of SCA, you agree to maintain high professional standards and not:

• Post unauthorized commercial communications collect user information via automated means without permission.
• Engage in unlawful multi-level marketing.
• Upload viruses or malicious code, solicit login information or access another account.
• Bully, intimidate, or harass users. Post unlawful, threatening, pornographic, or violent
  content.
• Use SCA for unlawful, misleading, malicious, or discriminatory activity.
• Impair SCA functionality, facilitate violations of these Terms, post identifiable patient, client, pastoral care recipient, or confidential institutional information unless lawfully permitted and appropriately de-identified.

SCA may remove content and take disciplinary action. 

9. REGISTRATION & ACCOUNT SECURITY

Members must provide accurate information and maintain account security. You agree that.

• You will not provide false information.
• You will not create multiple accounts without permission.
• Disabled accounts may not be recreated without permission.
• Contact information will remain current and passwords will remain confidential.
• Accounts are non-transferable without written permission.

10. PROTECTING OTHER PEOPLE’S RIGHTS

You will not post content that infringes rights or violates law. SCA may remove content violating these Terms. Repeated intellectual property infringement may result in account termination. SCA trademarks and copyrighted materials may not be used without permission. You will not post identification documents or sensitive financial information.

11. EXPULSION

Membership is a privilege and not a guaranteed right. SCA may cancel membership in its discretion consistent with applicable law. Upon cancellation, membership privileges immediately cease. Except where required by law, no refund obligation exists.

12. ONLINE STORE (PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION)

PPayment is required at purchase. Except where required by law, purchases are non-refundable. Educational materials are provided for professional development and do not constitute medical, legal, or psychological advice. Course completion does not guarantee employment or credentialing.

13. DISPUTES

Any dispute shall be resolved in state or federal courts located in New York County, New York. New York law governs these Terms. To the maximum extent permitted by law, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless SCA and affiliates from claims arising from membership, content, or violation of these Terms.

14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

SCA does not control user actions and is not responsible for user content. To the maximum extent permitted by law, SCA shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, or special damages. Total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you to SCA within the preceding twelve months. Services are provided “as-is” without warranties except where prohibited by law.

15. MISCELLANEOUS

Membership rights may not be transferred without written consent. Provisions that should survive termination shall survive. Invalid provisions shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law. Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute waiver. These Terms constitute the entire agreement regarding membership. Electronic acceptance constitutes legally binding agreement.

16. CLINICAL, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND HIPAA BOUNDARIES

SCA provides education, professional development, and community resources and does not provide medical, mental health, legal, or clinical care. Members are solely responsible for compliance with applicable laws, professional standards, and employer policies, including privacy and confidentiality requirements such as HIPAA where applicable. Members shall not upload or share protected health information or confidential patient information unless appropriately de-identified and permitted by law. SCA does not act as a covered entity or business associate solely by providing membership or educational services.

17. CERTIFICATION, DISCIPLINE, AND PROFESSIONAL STANDING

Participation in SCA programs does not constitute licensure or governmental authorization to practice. SCA may investigate complaints involving ethics violations, misconduct, misrepresentation of credentials, or policy violations. Disciplinary actions may include warning, suspension, revocation of certification, termination of membership, or other corrective measures. Where practicable, SCA may provide notice and opportunity for response.

18. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Members agree to comply with applicable chaplaincy ethical standards, employer policies, and professional codes. Violations including boundary misconduct, exploitation, discrimination, or confidentiality breaches may result in disciplinary action. SCA may consider findings from employers, credentialing bodies, or professional organizations.

19. TELECHAPLAINCY AND VIRTUAL CARE

MSCA may provide resources relating to virtual spiritual care or telechaplaincy. Members acknowledge that:

• SCA does not provide direct counseling or crisis intervention.
• Members are solely responsible for professional judgment and legal compliance.
• Technology platforms involve inherent security and confidentiality risks.
• SCA disclaims responsibility for outcomes arising from members’ delivery of virtual care.

20. SPIRITUAL ADVICE NON-RELIANCE

Information, training, and resources provided by SCA are educational in nature and should not be relied upon as individualized pastoral, clinical, or crisis intervention advice. Members remain responsible for exercising independent professional judgment.

21. ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION LIMITATIONS

SCA education, certification, or credentials do not guarantee licensure, employment, institutional privileges, or governmental recognition. Members are responsible for verifying credential requirements applicable to their jurisdiction or employer.

22. INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE AND SANCTIONS

Members agree to comply with applicable export control, sanctions, and international trade laws. SCA may restrict services where required by law.

23. CLASS ACTION WAIVER

To the maximum extent permitted by law, disputes shall be brought solely on an individual basis and not as part of a class, collective, or representative action.

24. AI AND DIGITAL SPIRITUAL CARE

SCA may provide resources involving emerging technologies. Members remain responsible for ethical use, professional judgment, and compliance with confidentiality and consent requirements when using technology-assisted spiritual care tools.

Last Update: February 2026