Professional Ethics and Standards Flashcards

A CDCES is approached by a researcher requesting access to patient data for a diabetes outcomes study. What must be in place before sharing identifiable data?

Answer: IRB approval and patient authorization or a valid HIPAA waiver

Research involving identifiable patient data requires both IRB oversight and either individual patient authorization or an IRB-approved HIPAA waiver of authorization.

What does 'fidelity' as an ethical principle require of a CDCES?

Answer: Keeping promises and honoring commitments made to patients and the profession

Fidelity requires maintaining trustworthiness by keeping commitments to patients, colleagues, and the professional standards of the specialty.

A CDCES discovers their employer is billing Medicare for diabetes education sessions that were never provided. What is the ethical and legal obligation?

Answer: Report the fraud internally and, if unresolved, to the appropriate external authority

Healthcare fraud must be reported through internal channels and, if not resolved, to external authorities such as the OIG, as silence makes one complicit.

How should a CDCES handle a patient who presents with health literacy limitations that affect their ability to understand diabetes self-management?

Answer: Adapt communication strategies using plain language, teach-back, and visual aids

Ethical, patient-centered care requires adapting educational approaches to meet individual health literacy needs rather than limiting services.

A CDCES who is an employee of a hospital system has a private practice where they see some of the same patient population. Which ethical issue is most relevant?

Answer: Conflict of interest and potential patient poaching

Operating a private practice that competes for the same patients as an employer creates a conflict of interest that must be disclosed and managed transparently.

Under the ADCES Standards of Practice, what is the expected timeframe for a CDCES to complete initial diabetes self-management education (DSMES) contact with a newly referred patient?

Answer: Within 4 weeks of referral

ADCES Standards of Practice recommend that initial contact with a referred patient occur within 4 weeks to ensure timely access to education.

A CDCES is invited to speak at a community event and plans to present content developed by a colleague without attribution. Which ethical principle does this violate?

Answer: Veracity and intellectual honesty

Using another professional's work without attribution violates veracity and intellectual honesty, which are foundational to professional integrity.