Ethical Practice Flashcards

Informed consent in peer support means the person being supported:

Answer: Understands the nature of the support relationship and voluntarily agrees to participate

True informed consent requires that the person understands what peer support involves and freely chooses to participate without coercion.

A peer support specialist is asked by a family member for updates on a person they support. The peer specialist should:

Answer: Decline to share any information without written consent from the person supported

Without explicit written authorization from the person being supported, sharing any information with family violates confidentiality.

Which scenario best illustrates a peer specialist staying within their scope of practice?

Answer: Helping a person identify coping strategies they have used in their own recovery

Peer specialists draw on lived experience to share coping strategies; they do not prescribe, diagnose, or conduct clinical assessments.

A peer specialist disagrees with a treatment decision made by the clinical team. The most ethical response is to:

Answer: Voice concerns through appropriate professional channels such as supervision or team meetings

Peer specialists express disagreement professionally through proper channels, not by undermining clinical colleagues directly with the person being supported.

Ethical peer support practice requires that a specialist prioritize:

Answer: The person's own self-determined goals and choices

Peer support is fundamentally person-centered and self-directed — the supported person's own goals take priority.

Which statement about voluntary participation is most consistent with CPSS ethical standards?

Answer: Peer support must always be offered on a voluntary basis and never coerced

Peer support is built on voluntary engagement; coercing participation undermines the foundation of mutual trust and respect.

A peer specialist is struggling with their own recovery and is experiencing significant personal distress. The ethical first step is to:

Answer: Consult their supervisor and discuss whether they should temporarily reduce their caseload

Self-care and ethical practice require peer specialists to consult supervision when personal distress may affect their ability to support others safely.