CBHCM Professional Development and Ethics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A case manager is subpoenaed to testify about a client's treatment. Before disclosing any information, what should the case manager do?
- Provide all requested records immediately to comply with the subpoena
- Consult with agency legal counsel and notify the client before releasing any information (Correct answer)
- Refuse to appear without informing the client or supervisor
- Contact the opposing attorney for guidance on what to share
Correct answer: Consult with agency legal counsel and notify the client before releasing any information
A subpoena alone does not override confidentiality — legal counsel should be consulted and the client notified before disclosure.
Question 2: Which professional body specifically certifies Behavioral Health Case Managers and oversees the CBHCM credential?
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) (Correct answer)
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Correct answer: Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC)
The Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) administers the CCM and related behavioral health case management credentials.
Question 3: When a case manager's personal values conflict with a client's treatment choices, the ethically appropriate response is to:
- Transfer the client to another provider without explanation
- Override the client's choices based on professional judgment
- Acknowledge the conflict, maintain professional conduct, and seek supervision if needed (Correct answer)
- Inform the client that their choices are morally wrong
Correct answer: Acknowledge the conflict, maintain professional conduct, and seek supervision if needed
Professional ethics require case managers to separate personal values from professional duties and seek supervision when conflicts arise.
Question 4: Which element is ESSENTIAL for obtaining valid informed consent from a behavioral health client?
- A witness signature from a family member
- Disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives in language the client can understand (Correct answer)
- Verbal agreement documented only in the case manager's notes
- Consent given by the client's insurance carrier
Correct answer: Disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives in language the client can understand
Valid informed consent requires comprehensible disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives so the client can make a truly voluntary, informed decision.
Question 5: A case manager accepts a gift of significant monetary value from a grateful client's family. This PRIMARILY raises concern regarding which ethical principle?
- Justice
- Veracity
- Fidelity
- Boundary violations and conflicts of interest (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Boundary violations and conflicts of interest
Accepting gifts of significant value from clients or their families creates potential conflicts of interest and violates professional boundary standards.
Question 6: Mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse apply to behavioral health case managers:
- Only if the case manager directly witnessed the abuse
- Regardless of whether the information came from the client, a third party, or observation (Correct answer)
- Only when the client provides written confirmation of abuse
- Only in states where case managers hold a licensed clinical credential
Correct answer: Regardless of whether the information came from the client, a third party, or observation
As mandated reporters, case managers must report reasonable suspicion of child abuse regardless of the source of information.
Question 7: Reflective practice in professional development PRIMARILY involves:
- Reviewing client case notes at the end of each month
- Critically examining one's own assumptions, biases, and professional actions to improve practice (Correct answer)
- Attending annual continuing education conferences only
- Asking clients to evaluate the case manager's performance
Correct answer: Critically examining one's own assumptions, biases, and professional actions to improve practice
Reflective practice is an ongoing process of critically examining one's own work, assumptions, and biases to enhance professional effectiveness.
CBHCM Professional Development and Ethics 3
A case manager is subpoenaed to testify about a client's treatment.
Before disclosing any information, what should the case manager do?