Ethics & Professional Standards Flashcards

Which ethical principle requires a CPC to act in the client's best interest rather than the funeral home's financial interest?

Answer: Fiduciary duty

A fiduciary duty requires the CPC to prioritize the client's best interest over the interests of the funeral home or themselves, especially when recommending products and funding options.

A CPC discovers that a colleague has been misrepresenting preneed contract terms to clients. The appropriate course of action is to:

Answer: Report the behavior to a supervisor and, if unresolved, to the appropriate state licensing board

Professional standards require CPCs to report unethical conduct through proper channels — first internally and then to the state licensing board if the issue is not resolved — to protect consumers.

Which of the following practices would constitute an ethical violation for a CPC?

Answer: Receiving an undisclosed commission for recommending a specific insurance product

Receiving undisclosed commissions creates a conflict of interest and violates the CPC's obligation of transparency and full disclosure to clients.

The principle of client 'autonomy' in preplanning ethics means:

Answer: Clients have the right to make informed decisions about their own funeral arrangements

Autonomy is the ethical principle that individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their own affairs, including funeral preplanning, free from undue pressure or coercion.

Which of the following is an example of 'high-pressure sales tactics' that a CPC must avoid?

Answer: Suggesting the client will burden their family if they do not sign a contract today

Using fear-based language — such as warning clients they will burden their family if they don't sign immediately — is a coercive tactic that undermines informed consent and violates professional ethics.

What is the ethical obligation of a CPC when a client has limited English proficiency?

Answer: Provide translation services or reschedule until an interpreter is available

Ensuring full, meaningful comprehension requires professional translation services when a client has limited English proficiency; relying on family members to translate can compromise accuracy and informed consent.