CPSS Peer Support Principles 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under North Carolina law, peer support specialists are mandatory reporters when they have reasonable cause to suspect:
- A person is struggling with substance use
- Child abuse or neglect involving a minor (Correct answer)
- Someone disagrees with their treatment plan
- A person misses multiple appointments
Correct answer: Child abuse or neglect involving a minor
North Carolina law requires mandatory reporting when there is reasonable cause to believe a child is being abused or neglected, regardless of confidentiality obligations.
Question 2: Confidentiality in peer support services may be broken WITHOUT client consent in which situation?
- The client mentions feeling sad
- A supervisor asks for a general progress update
- The client makes a credible threat to harm a specific person (Correct answer)
- The client discloses past illegal activity
Correct answer: The client makes a credible threat to harm a specific person
A credible, specific threat to harm an identifiable third party triggers the duty to warn, which overrides confidentiality protections.
Question 3: A peer specialist receives a gift from a person they support. According to ethical guidelines, the best response is to:
- Accept it to avoid seeming rude or rejecting
- Accept small gifts under $10 as a goodwill gesture
- Decline while explaining the ethical boundary and why it exists (Correct answer)
- Report the offer to supervisors before responding to the individual
Correct answer: Decline while explaining the ethical boundary and why it exists
Ethical guidelines generally advise declining gifts and using the moment as an opportunity to explain professional boundaries transparently.
Question 4: Which action would constitute a dual relationship in peer support?
- Meeting with someone both individually and in a group
- Becoming close friends with someone you currently support (Correct answer)
- Discussing both mental health and substance use concerns
- Providing support in both home and community settings
Correct answer: Becoming close friends with someone you currently support
A dual relationship occurs when the peer specialist takes on a second role (e.g., friend) beyond their professional role, which can compromise objectivity and boundaries.
Question 5: HIPAA protections for peer support records primarily require that:
- All records must be shared with family members upon request
- Protected health information is not disclosed without authorization (Correct answer)
- Supervisors cannot access any session notes
- Electronic records must be printed and stored in paper form
Correct answer: Protected health information is not disclosed without authorization
HIPAA's core requirement is that protected health information (PHI) cannot be used or disclosed without proper authorization except in specific permitted circumstances.
Question 6: If a peer specialist disagrees with a decision their supervisor made about a person they support, the most appropriate action is to:
- Tell the person they support about the disagreement
- Ignore the supervisor's decision and act on their own judgment
- Address concerns through proper organizational channels (Correct answer)
- Contact the person's family to advocate for a different approach
Correct answer: Address concerns through proper organizational channels
Disagreements with supervisors should be addressed through organizational channels, such as direct conversation with the supervisor or escalation procedures, not bypassed.
Question 7: The ethical principle of 'non-maleficence' in peer support means:
- Always telling the truth even when it is painful
- Prioritizing the individual's stated preferences above all else
- Avoiding actions that could cause harm to the person being supported (Correct answer)
- Treating everyone with equal respect and fairness
Correct answer: Avoiding actions that could cause harm to the person being supported
Non-maleficence is the commitment to 'do no harm,' requiring peer specialists to avoid actions, words, or relationships that could hurt the individuals they serve.
CPSS Peer Support Principles 4
Under North Carolina law, peer support specialists are mandatory reporters when they have reasonable cause to suspect: