Ethics and Professional Standards Flashcards

According to NAADAC's Code of Ethics, which principle requires counselors to promote the well-being of clients above all other concerns?

Answer: Beneficence

Beneficence obligates counselors to act in the best interests of clients and to actively promote their welfare.

When is a counselor legally required to breach client confidentiality under the 'duty to warn'?

Answer: When a client makes a credible threat to harm an identifiable third party

Based on the Tarasoff ruling, counselors have a duty to warn identifiable potential victims when a client makes a serious, credible threat of harm.

Under 42 CFR Part 2, substance use disorder treatment records have confidentiality protections that are:

Answer: Stricter than general HIPAA protections

42 CFR Part 2 provides heightened confidentiality protections for SUD treatment records, requiring specific consent even for disclosures permitted under standard HIPAA.

What is the MOST appropriate initial response when a counselor realizes they are developing romantic feelings for a client?

Answer: Seek clinical supervision immediately

Seeking clinical supervision is the first appropriate step when a counselor recognizes countertransference issues, including romantic feelings toward a client.

Which term describes an ethical violation in which a counselor uses their professional position to exploit a client for personal gain?

Answer: Boundary violation

A boundary violation occurs when a counselor crosses professional limits in a way that exploits or harms the client, such as a sexual or financial relationship.

A client who is mandated to treatment by the court still has the right to:

Answer: Refuse specific treatment interventions

Even mandated clients retain the right to refuse specific treatments; however, refusal may have legal consequences such as probation violation.