Ethics, Scope of Practice & Professional Conduct Flashcards

A prospective client asks a CHC if coaching is the same as therapy. The most accurate response is:

Answer: Coaching focuses on present goals and future action, while therapy typically addresses past issues and mental health conditions

Understanding and clearly articulating the distinction between coaching and therapy is essential to informed client consent.

What is the ethical principle of non-maleficence as it applies to health coaching?

Answer: Avoiding actions that could harm the client

Non-maleficence — 'do no harm' — requires coaches to avoid practices that could physically, emotionally, or professionally harm clients.

A certified health coach is asked by a friend to coach them for free informally. Which risk is most significant?

Answer: The informal arrangement lacks professional boundaries and may blur the coaching relationship

Informal coaching with friends compromises professional boundaries and introduces dual-relationship risks.

A health coach receives a subpoena requesting client session records. The coach should:

Answer: Consult with a legal professional before releasing any confidential client information

Legal demands for confidential records require professional legal guidance before any disclosure is made.

Which of the following is an example of practicing within the CHC scope of practice?

Answer: Helping a client identify barriers to reaching their step-count goal

Identifying behavioral barriers to goal achievement is a core, within-scope function of health coaching.

A client discloses they are experiencing thoughts of self-harm during a session. A CHC should:

Answer: Immediately refer the client to emergency mental health services and follow crisis protocols

Imminent risk of self-harm requires immediate referral to crisis services, overriding standard confidentiality.

Which statement best reflects ethical marketing for a certified health coach?

Answer: Advertising credentials accurately and making only evidence-supported claims about coaching benefits

Ethical marketing requires honest representation of qualifications and realistic, evidence-based claims.