COOP COOP Confidentiality & Independence Principles

Question 1

Under IOA Standards of Practice, which of the following is the ONLY recognized exception to ombuds confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

When there is imminent risk of serious harm

Answer

IOA Standards recognize imminent risk of serious harm as the only exception that may require the ombuds to act on confidential information.

Question 2

An organizational ombuds is served with a subpoena to testify about a visitor's disclosure. The best practice response is to:

Accepted Answer

Assert privilege and consult legal counsel to resist disclosure

Answer

Ombuds should assert applicable privilege protections and work with legal counsel to resist compelled disclosure, protecting the integrity of the confidential function.

Question 3

Which practice best protects ombuds confidentiality when keeping case notes?

Accepted Answer

Keeping minimal or no identifying notes, or destroying notes promptly after each case

Answer

Minimal or no identifying records reduce the risk that notes could be subpoenaed or breached, protecting visitor confidentiality.

Question 4

Structural independence for the ombuds means the office:

Accepted Answer

Is positioned in the organizational hierarchy to prevent undue influence from any business unit

Answer

Structural independence means the ombuds is placed high enough in the hierarchy and insulated sufficiently so that no single department can pressure or direct the ombuds.

Question 5

An ombuds receives pressure from a senior executive to disclose who raised a concern about that executive. The ombuds should:

Accepted Answer

Decline to confirm or deny that any specific individual visited the ombuds

Answer

The ombuds must neither confirm nor deny any specific visit, even under executive pressure, to maintain the absolute confidentiality that makes the role viable.

(COOP) Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner Practice Test

(COOP) Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner Practice Test

COOP COOP Confidentiality & Independence Principles