Chemical Dependency Counselor CCDC Exam Regulatory Frameworks & Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 42 CFR Part 2, which action requires written patient consent before disclosure of substance use disorder records?
- Sharing records with a treating physician outside the program (Correct answer)
- Internal quality assurance review within the same program
- Mandatory reporting of child abuse to authorities
- Court-ordered disclosure pursuant to a valid court order
Correct answer: Sharing records with a treating physician outside the program
42 CFR Part 2 requires written patient consent to disclose SUD records to outside treating physicians, unlike internal QA or legally mandated disclosures.
Question 2: A counselor discovers a client is selling prescribed buprenorphine. Which regulatory obligation is MOST immediately relevant?
- Report the diversion to the DEA or appropriate authority (Correct answer)
- Discharge the client immediately per program policy
- Increase urine drug screen frequency only
- Notify the client's employer under HIPAA
Correct answer: Report the diversion to the DEA or appropriate authority
Diversion of Schedule III controlled substances like buprenorphine must be reported to the DEA and relevant authorities under federal controlled substances regulations.
Question 3: SAMHSA's block grant programs require states to reserve what minimum percentage of funds for early intervention and treatment of pregnant women and women with dependent children?
- 5%
- 10% (Correct answer)
- 15%
- 20%
Correct answer: 10%
The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant requires states to reserve at least 5% for primary prevention and at least 10% for services to pregnant women and women with dependent children.
Question 4: A methadone maintenance treatment program must be certified by which federal agency?
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) only
- SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) (Correct answer)
- The Joint Commission exclusively
- State licensing boards only
Correct answer: SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
Opioid treatment programs must be certified by SAMHSA/CSAT and accredited by a SAMHSA-approved accrediting body, in addition to DEA registration.
Question 5: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which individual is protected from employment discrimination?
- A person currently using illegal drugs
- A person in recovery who is no longer using illegal drugs (Correct answer)
- A person currently misusing prescribed opioids
- A person whose drug use poses a direct safety threat only if employed
Correct answer: A person in recovery who is no longer using illegal drugs
The ADA protects individuals in recovery from illegal drug use who are no longer using drugs, but does not protect those currently engaging in illegal drug use.
Question 6: Which document governs the ethical standards for Certified Clinical Dependency Counselors (CCDC) in most states?
- DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
- NAADAC Code of Ethics (Correct answer)
- The Controlled Substances Act
- State criminal statutes
Correct answer: NAADAC Code of Ethics
NAADAC's Code of Ethics provides the professional ethical standards that govern credentialed addiction counselors including CCDCs.
Question 7: When a client signs a general medical release of information, does it automatically cover release of substance use disorder treatment records under federal law?
- Yes, if the release is signed voluntarily
- Yes, if the receiving party is a healthcare provider
- No, SUD records require a separate, specific consent under 42 CFR Part 2 (Correct answer)
- No, unless the state law is more permissive than federal law
Correct answer: No, SUD records require a separate, specific consent under 42 CFR Part 2
42 CFR Part 2 requires a consent form that specifically identifies the SUD program; a general medical release is insufficient.
Chemical Dependency Counselor CCDC Exam Regulatory Frameworks & Compliance 2
Under 42 CFR Part 2, which action requires written patient consent before disclosure of substance use disorder records?