Ethics, Legal Issues & Professional Boundaries Flashcards

A crisis counselor learns that a client they worked with last week is now being seen by a colleague. The counselor mentions the client's name and crisis details in the break room. This action most directly violates which ethical principle?

Answer: Confidentiality

Disclosing a client's identity and crisis details to others without consent is a direct breach of confidentiality.

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), when may a crisis counselor share protected health information without client authorization?

Answer: To avert a serious and imminent threat to the client or others

HIPAA permits disclosure without authorization when necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.

A crisis counselor who previously provided services to a client now wants to enter a personal friendship with that person. Which concept best explains why this is ethically problematic?

Answer: Dual relationship

Forming a personal friendship with a former client creates a dual relationship that can blur professional boundaries and exploit the therapeutic connection.

State law requires a crisis counselor to report all suspected child abuse. A client discloses abuse but begs the counselor not to report it. What is the counselor's legal obligation?

Answer: File a mandated report regardless of the client's wishes

Mandated reporting laws supersede client preferences; counselors are legally required to report suspected child abuse.

A crisis worker continues seeing a client whose presenting issues have evolved beyond the worker's training in substance use disorders. Which ethical duty is most relevant?

Answer: Competence

Practitioners are ethically obligated to practice only within the boundaries of their competence and training.

A crisis counselor accepts expensive gifts from a client who is grateful for their help. This behavior primarily raises concerns about which ethical area?

Answer: Boundary violations

Accepting significant gifts from clients creates a boundary violation that can compromise the professional relationship and objectivity.

Which legal doctrine gives involuntarily hospitalized individuals the right to receive adequate treatment, not just custody?

Answer: Right to treatment

The right to treatment doctrine, established in Wyatt v. Stickney, requires that involuntarily committed individuals receive adequate care.