DDA Legal Rights & Ethical Responsibilities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The concept of 'normalization' in disability services refers to:
- Making individuals with disabilities act and appear 'normal'
- Providing living conditions and daily patterns as close to mainstream society as possible (Correct answer)
- Eliminating all behavioral differences between disabled and non-disabled individuals
- Placing individuals in typical community settings regardless of their support needs
Correct answer: Providing living conditions and daily patterns as close to mainstream society as possible
Normalization means enabling people with disabilities to experience routines, settings, and relationships typical of mainstream society.
Question 2: A client's individualized support plan (ISP) specifies a particular communication method. A new DSP uses a different method because they think it is better. This is:
- Acceptable if the new method produces better results
- A violation of the client's legal rights and the ISP agreement (Correct answer)
- Fine as long as the supervisor is informed afterward
- Encouraged as DSPs should use professional judgment
Correct answer: A violation of the client's legal rights and the ISP agreement
The ISP is a legal document developed with the client's input; deviating from it without authorization violates the client's rights and due process.
Question 3: Which ethical principle requires a DSP to act in the best interest of the client, even when the client's wishes may conflict with their wellbeing?
- Autonomy
- Beneficence (Correct answer)
- Non-maleficence
- Justice
Correct answer: Beneficence
Beneficence requires acting in the client's best interest and promoting their wellbeing, sometimes creating tension with the principle of autonomy.
Question 4: Under HIPAA, which of the following is permitted without a client's written authorization?
- Sharing client records with a family member who calls requesting information
- Disclosing health information to treatment providers involved in the client's care (Correct answer)
- Sending a client's medical history to their employer
- Posting client information on a staff communication board
Correct answer: Disclosing health information to treatment providers involved in the client's care
HIPAA permits sharing protected health information with other healthcare providers directly involved in the client's treatment without prior written authorization.
Question 5: A client tells a DSP they want to move to their own apartment but their parent opposes the idea. The DSP's role is to:
- Support the parent's position since families know best
- Dismiss the client's desire as unrealistic
- Advocate for the client's right to self-determination and help explore options (Correct answer)
- Transfer the client to a different DSP who agrees with the family
Correct answer: Advocate for the client's right to self-determination and help explore options
DSPs are advocates for client self-determination; they should support the client's goals and help connect them with resources while respecting all parties.
Question 6: The term 'due process' in the context of developmental disability services means:
- Following proper medical protocols when treating illness
- The right to fair procedures before rights or services are restricted or denied (Correct answer)
- Completing all required paperwork in a timely manner
- Ensuring staff follow the daily schedule as written
Correct answer: The right to fair procedures before rights or services are restricted or denied
Due process guarantees that individuals have the right to fair notice and an opportunity to be heard before services are reduced, modified, or denied.
Question 7: Which situation represents a conflict of interest for a DSP?
- Helping a client shop for groceries at a store the DSP also shops at
- Accepting a cash gift from a client's family member in exchange for extra services (Correct answer)
- Driving a client to a medical appointment on a day off
- Writing a progress note about a client's behavior during a community outing
Correct answer: Accepting a cash gift from a client's family member in exchange for extra services
Accepting gifts or financial compensation from clients or families creates a conflict of interest that compromises professional objectivity and violates ethical codes.
DDA Legal Rights & Ethical Responsibilities 3
The concept of 'normalization' in disability services refers to: