CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Professional Ethics and Regulations Questions and Answers

Question 1

A CASAC receives a subpoena from a client's attorney requesting all treatment records for a child custody case.
The client has not provided written consent for this release.
According to 42 CFR Part 2, what is the CASAC's most appropriate and immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Contact the attorney to explain that the records cannot be released without a specific court order or the client's written consent.

Answer

Immediately comply with the subpoena to avoid legal penalties.

Answer

Release a treatment summary but withhold detailed session notes.

Answer

Provide the records to the client to give to their attorney directly.

Question 2

A client who has made significant progress and is nearing the end of their treatment offers their CASAC a handmade piece of artwork, valued at approximately $200, as a token of gratitude. According to the CASAC Canon of Ethical Principles, what is the most ethical response?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the gift, explaining the professional boundary against accepting gifts of significant value to avoid a potential dual relationship or exploitation.

Answer

Accept the gift to avoid offending the client and damaging the therapeutic relationship.

Answer

Accept the gift but donate it to the treatment agency.

Answer

Suggest the client sell the artwork and make a monetary donation to the facility instead.

Question 3

During a session, a client becomes agitated and discloses a specific, credible plan to seriously harm their former spouse later that day, including the location. In this situation, the CASAC's 'duty to protect' obligations under New York State law would most likely require which of the following actions?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor and take reasonable steps to notify law enforcement and the potential victim.

Answer

Maintain absolute confidentiality as required by 42 CFR Part 2.

Answer

Immediately terminate the session and call 911 without informing the client.

Answer

Work with the client to create a safety plan and have them sign a no-harm contract.

Question 4

Which of the following is an essential requirement for maintaining accurate and timely client records, according to the CASAC Canon of Ethical Principles?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the appropriateness and continuity of services provided to the client.

Answer

To ensure the counselor is protected in the event of a lawsuit.

Answer

To justify billing to third-party payers.

Answer

To provide a detailed account for law enforcement if requested.

Question 5

A CASAC is working with a client who is also involved in a complex child welfare case. The client asks the CASAC for specific advice on how to navigate the family court system and what to say to the judge. The most ethically appropriate action for the CASAC is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain that providing legal advice is outside their scope of practice and refer the client to a qualified legal professional.

Answer

Provide the best legal advice they can based on previous cases.

Answer

Advise the client to be completely honest with the judge.

Answer

Coach the client on specific phrases to use in court to regain custody.

Question 6

Under the federal regulations of 42 CFR Part 2, which of the following disclosures of client-identifying information is permissible WITHOUT the client's written consent?

Accepted Answer

Providing information to qualified personnel for the purpose of a program audit or evaluation.

Answer

Reporting a client's substance use to their employer who is concerned about their job performance.

Answer

Sharing treatment information with a client's spouse who is participating in family therapy.

Answer

Confirming to a probation officer that a client is enrolled in treatment.