CASAC Professional Ethics and Regulations 2

Question 1

A CASAC counselor discovers that a colleague is providing services to clients while under the influence of alcohol. According to professional ethics codes, what is the counselor's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the colleague's impairment to the appropriate supervisory or regulatory authority to protect client welfare

Answer

Professional ethics codes require counselors to take action when a colleague's impairment endangers client welfare, typically by reporting to supervisory or regulatory authorities.

Question 2

Under New York State OASAS regulations, which of the following constitutes a boundary violation in the counselor-client relationship?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in a sexual or romantic relationship with a current or former client

Answer

Sexual or romantic relationships between counselors and clients (current or former) represent the most serious boundary violation, explicitly prohibited by all ethics codes and state regulations.

Question 3

A client in substance abuse treatment requests that their counselor provide a letter to their probation officer confirming their attendance and progress. What ethical and legal considerations must the counselor navigate?

Accepted Answer

The counselor must obtain the client's specific written consent under 42 CFR Part 2 that names the probation officer and specifies what information can be disclosed

Answer

Even when a client requests disclosure, 42 CFR Part 2 requires specific written consent that identifies the recipient and the extent of information to be shared.

Question 4

The ethical principle of 'nonmaleficence' in substance abuse counseling most directly requires counselors to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid actions that cause harm to clients and take steps to prevent foreseeable harm

Answer

Nonmaleficence — 'above all, do no harm' — requires counselors to avoid interventions or actions that could cause harm and to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

Question 5

A CASAC counselor is working with a client whose cultural background includes traditional healing practices that conflict with Western medical approaches to addiction treatment. What is the most ethically appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explore the cultural practices respectfully, assess for potential harm, and integrate compatible elements into the treatment plan while maintaining clinical standards

Answer

Ethical multicultural practice involves respectful exploration of cultural beliefs, assessment of potential risks, and integration of compatible cultural elements into evidence-based treatment.

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC Professional Ethics and Regulations 2