CDCES Professional Ethics and Standards 5

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

IRB approval and patient authorization or a valid HIPAA waiver

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Keeping promises and honoring commitments made to patients and the profession

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

Conflict of interest and potential patient poaching

Answer

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.

(CDCES) Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Practice Test

(CDCES) Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Practice Test

CDCES Professional Ethics and Standards 5