Ethics, Scope of Practice & Professional Conduct Flashcards

A client reveals during a session that they are experiencing domestic violence at home. The health coach's primary obligation is to:

Answer: Acknowledge the client's safety concern, provide crisis resources, and refer to appropriate support services

Safety concerns must be prioritized, and the coach should provide appropriate crisis resources and referrals.

What does 'informed consent' mean in the context of health coaching?

Answer: The client is fully informed of the coaching process, limitations, fees, and confidentiality policies before agreeing to engage

Informed consent ensures clients understand the nature, scope, and boundaries of coaching before the relationship begins.

A health coach has a personal bias against a client's lifestyle choices. The ethical course of action is to:

Answer: Acknowledge the bias internally and either work through it professionally or refer the client to another coach

Self-awareness and management of personal bias is an ethical obligation; referral is appropriate when bias cannot be managed.

Which action best demonstrates a CHC's commitment to professional development and ethical practice?

Answer: Pursuing continuing education and supervision to stay current with evidence-based practices

Ongoing education and supervision reflect a commitment to competence and ethical professional growth.

A client wants to stop coaching sessions without explanation. A CHC should:

Answer: Respect the client's decision and provide information about how to re-engage services in the future

Client autonomy includes the right to discontinue coaching at any time, and the coach should support a dignified closure.

A CHC is asked to lead a corporate wellness workshop. Before accepting, the most important ethical consideration is:

Answer: Ensuring the content falls within the coach's competence and scope of practice

Accepting engagements only within one's area of competence upholds professional integrity and client safety.

When a client's health goals conflict with the advice of their primary care physician, the CHC should:

Answer: Encourage the client to discuss the discrepancy with their physician and avoid contradicting medical advice

Health coaches must not contradict or undermine medical advice; facilitating client-physician communication is appropriate.