Professional Ethics & Standards Flashcards

A CAPS professional completes an assessment and later realizes they made a significant error in recommending a modification. What is the ethical obligation?

Answer: Proactively contact the client, disclose the error, and provide corrected recommendations

Professional ethics require prompt disclosure of significant errors to allow the client to make informed decisions and prevent potential harm.

When working with a client who has a guardian or legal representative, a CAPS professional should:

Answer: Coordinate with both the client (to the extent possible) and the legal representative

Respecting both the client's autonomy and the legal representative's authority requires involving both parties in the decision-making process.

A CAPS professional is offered a free trip by a contractor who frequently receives referrals. Under ethics standards, this gift:

Answer: Should be declined or disclosed as a potential conflict of interest

Gifts from referral recipients create conflicts of interest and must be declined or fully disclosed to maintain ethical independence.

Which statement best reflects the CAPS ethical standard regarding cultural competence?

Answer: Professionals should adapt their approach to respect each client's cultural background and values

CAPS professionals are expected to provide culturally competent services that respect each client's individual background, values, and preferences.

A CAPS specialist is asked by an attorney to testify as an expert witness against a former client. What ethical consideration is most important?

Answer: The professional must consider confidentiality obligations and whether consent or a subpoena exists

Confidentiality obligations extend to former clients, so a CAPS professional must evaluate whether legally compelled disclosure applies before testifying.

Under the CAPS ethical framework, 'beneficence' most closely means:

Answer: Actively working in the client's best interest to promote their wellbeing

Beneficence requires CAPS professionals to take positive steps to promote client welfare, not merely avoid harm.

A CAPS professional witnesses a colleague engaging in fraudulent billing practices. What is the ethical response?

Answer: Report the conduct through appropriate professional or legal channels

Professional ethics require reporting fraud through appropriate channels to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the CAPS profession.