CCIS Ethics, Legal Issues & Professional Boundaries 2

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Dual relationship

Answer

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

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

File a mandated report regardless of the client's wishes

Answer

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

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

Competence

Answer

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

(CCIS) Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist Practice Test

(CCIS) Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist Practice Test

CCIS Ethics, Legal Issues & Professional Boundaries 2