Ethics & Professional Standards Flashcards

Which of the following actions by a CPC would most clearly violate the duty of non-maleficence?

Answer: Providing inaccurate information about burial vault requirements to increase a sale

Non-maleficence — the duty to 'do no harm' — is violated when a CPC intentionally provides false or misleading information to influence a client's decision for personal or employer financial gain.

A CPC's professional scope of practice does NOT typically include:

Answer: Providing licensed grief therapy or psychological counseling

While CPCs offer compassionate support and information, they are not licensed mental health professionals and must refer clients to qualified counselors for formal grief therapy.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'professional boundaries' for a CPC?

Answer: Limits on the roles, behaviors, and relationships appropriate to the CPC's professional function

Professional boundaries define the appropriate limits of the CPC's role and relationship with clients, distinguishing professional support from personal involvement or overreach into areas outside their expertise.

Under what circumstance is it ethically permissible for a CPC to disclose client information to a third party without client consent?

Answer: When required by law, such as a court order or mandatory reporting requirement

Client confidentiality may only be ethically and legally overridden when disclosure is required by law — such as a valid court subpoena or a legally mandated reporting requirement.

A CPC is approached by a senior client who appears confused and whose adult child is pressuring them to sign a large preneed contract. The CPC should:

Answer: Pause the meeting, assess the client's decision-making capacity, and ensure the client is acting voluntarily

A CPC must ensure that every client has the decision-making capacity to enter a preneed contract and is acting voluntarily, without undue influence — particularly when signs of pressure or confusion are present.

Which of the following best illustrates the ethical principle of 'justice' as applied to preplanning consulting?

Answer: Offering the same quality of professional service and information to all clients regardless of their economic status

Justice in professional ethics requires equitable treatment of all clients — every person deserves the same quality of information, respect, and professional service regardless of their ability to purchase.