Legal & Ethical Considerations Flashcards

An administrative professional notarizes a document for a signer who is not physically present but says by phone that the signature is theirs. What is the main problem?

Answer: Traditional notarization requires the signer to appear in person before the notary

A traditional notarial act requires the signer to personally appear so the notary can verify identity and willingness.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which employees are generally entitled to overtime pay?

Answer: Non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek

The FLSA requires time-and-a-half pay for non-exempt employees for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

A supervisor asks an assistant to backdate a contract signature to last month. What is the most ethical response?

Answer: Decline and explain that backdating could misrepresent the record, offering to date it accurately

Backdating can constitute misrepresentation or fraud, so the ethical response is to decline and suggest an accurate alternative.

Which federal law protects employees aged 40 and older from employment discrimination?

Answer: Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

The ADEA prohibits age discrimination against workers who are 40 or older.

An assistant receives an email containing a client's Social Security number. What is the best practice for handling it?

Answer: Limit access, store it securely, and share only with those who need it

Sensitive personal data should be protected with restricted access on a need-to-know basis.

Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest for an office professional?

Answer: Steering a company contract to a vendor owned by a relative without disclosure

Undisclosed personal ties to a vendor that benefits from your decisions create a conflict of interest.

Using copyrighted images from a website in a company brochure without permission is most likely:

Answer: Copyright infringement unless a license, permission, or valid exception applies

Copyright protection exists automatically, so commercial use generally requires permission or a license.