CHC Ethics, Scope of Practice & Professional Conduct 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client shares that they recently started taking a new herbal supplement after reading about it online. What is the most appropriate CHC response?
- Tell the client to stop taking it immediately
- Discuss the client's goals while encouraging them to consult their physician about the supplement (Correct answer)
- Research the supplement and give the client a medical opinion
- Ignore the topic since nutrition is outside a health coach's scope
Correct answer: Discuss the client's goals while encouraging them to consult their physician about the supplement
Health coaches support client autonomy while referring supplement and medication questions to qualified healthcare providers.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes dual relationships in health coaching ethics?
- Coaching clients from two different organizations simultaneously
- Having a personal or business relationship with a client outside the coaching role (Correct answer)
- Using two different coaching models with the same client
- Providing both group and individual coaching to the same client
Correct answer: Having a personal or business relationship with a client outside the coaching role
Dual relationships occur when the coach holds multiple roles with a client, which can compromise objectivity and professional boundaries.
Question 3: A CHC notices a client appears to be struggling with symptoms that may indicate depression. The coach should:
- Begin applying cognitive behavioral techniques to address depression
- Diagnose the client and adjust the coaching plan accordingly
- Acknowledge the client's feelings and refer them to a mental health professional (Correct answer)
- Avoid the topic to prevent making the client uncomfortable
Correct answer: Acknowledge the client's feelings and refer them to a mental health professional
Recognizing signs beyond coaching scope and making appropriate referrals is a core professional responsibility.
Question 4: When a health coach stores client session notes digitally, the primary ethical obligation is to:
- Share notes with the client's employer upon request
- Ensure notes are password-protected and stored securely to maintain confidentiality (Correct answer)
- Keep notes indefinitely to track long-term progress
- Use client names in notes for easy identification across systems
Correct answer: Ensure notes are password-protected and stored securely to maintain confidentiality
Protecting digital records with appropriate security measures upholds client confidentiality and data privacy.
Question 5: A client asks their health coach to write a letter to their employer describing the client's health condition. The CHC should:
- Write the letter based on session notes
- Decline, as providing clinical documentation is outside the scope of practice (Correct answer)
- Contact the employer directly without a letter
- Ask the client for their medical records to write an accurate letter
Correct answer: Decline, as providing clinical documentation is outside the scope of practice
Writing clinical or medical documentation for third parties is not within the health coach's scope of practice.
Question 6: Which scenario represents a boundary violation in health coaching?
- Sending a follow-up message to check on a client's progress
- Accepting a small gift from a client worth under $10
- Entering into a business partnership with a current coaching client (Correct answer)
- Offering referrals to local wellness resources
Correct answer: Entering into a business partnership with a current coaching client
Entering business arrangements with active clients creates a conflict of interest and constitutes a boundary violation.
Question 7: A health coach disagrees with a client's dietary choice that is culturally significant to the client. The coach should:
- Educate the client on why the choice is unhealthy
- Respect the client's cultural values and explore goals within their chosen framework (Correct answer)
- Refuse to continue coaching until the client adjusts their diet
- Report the client's choice to a supervising dietitian
Correct answer: Respect the client's cultural values and explore goals within their chosen framework
Cultural competence requires coaches to respect client values and work within the client's own context.
CHC Ethics, Scope of Practice & Professional Conduct 2
A client shares that they recently started taking a new herbal supplement after reading about it online.
What is the most appropriate CHC response?