Professional Ethics and Standards Flashcards

A CDCES discovers that a colleague is providing outdated diabetes education that contradicts current clinical guidelines. What is the most appropriate first step?

Answer: Discuss concerns with the colleague privately and professionally

Addressing concerns directly with the colleague first is the professional and ethical approach before escalating to formal reporting.

Which principle from the ADCES Code of Ethics requires a CDCES to accurately represent their credentials and scope of practice?

Answer: Veracity

Veracity (truthfulness) obligates professionals to honestly represent their qualifications and competencies to patients and employers.

A CDCES working in a rural area is asked to provide services slightly outside their training. The nearest specialist is 200 miles away. What should guide this decision?

Answer: Assess competency, consult available resources, and refer when patient safety is at risk

Ethical practice requires honest self-assessment of competency and appropriate referral when patient safety may be compromised, even in underserved areas.

Under HIPAA, which action by a CDCES would constitute a privacy violation?

Answer: Telling a patient's employer about their diabetes diagnosis without authorization

Disclosing a patient's diagnosis to their employer without written authorization violates HIPAA's privacy protections for protected health information.

A pharmaceutical company offers a CDCES a $500 gift card for referring patients to their diabetes medication program. What is the ethical response?

Answer: Decline, as this creates a financial conflict of interest

Accepting financial incentives for referrals creates a conflict of interest that compromises patient-centered care and violates professional ethics standards.

A CDCES notices signs of depression in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes but is not trained in mental health counseling. What is the ethical obligation?

Answer: Acknowledge the concern and refer to an appropriate mental health professional

Recognizing when a patient's needs exceed your scope and facilitating appropriate referral is a core ethical obligation in diabetes care.

Which documentation practice best reflects ethical standards for a CDCES?

Answer: Recording assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and in a timely manner

Accurate, timely, and individualized documentation is an ethical requirement that ensures continuity of care and professional accountability.