CCM Ethics, Advocacy, & Legal Issues 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the ethical principle of autonomy in care management?
- Making decisions for the client
- Acting in the client’s best interest
- Respecting the client's right to choose (Correct answer)
- Enforcing medical compliance
Correct answer: Respecting the client's right to choose
The ethical principle of autonomy in care management means respecting a client's right to make their own informed decisions about their care, even if those decisions differ from what the care manager or family might prefer. It emphasizes self-determination and the client's control over their own life and healthcare choices. Care managers must provide information and support, but ultimately honor the client's wishes.
Question 2: When should a care manager break client confidentiality?
- When the client is noncompliant
- To update the client's family
- If the client threatens self-harm or others (Correct answer)
- To simplify documentation
Correct answer: If the client threatens self-harm or others
Client confidentiality is a cornerstone of care management, but it is not absolute. A care manager is ethically and legally obligated to break confidentiality when there is a clear and imminent danger to the client or others, such as threats of self-harm or harm to another person. In such situations, reporting to appropriate authorities or involved parties becomes necessary to ensure safety.
Question 3: What does the ethical principle of beneficence require of care managers?
- Avoiding involvement in client issues
- Focusing on cost-efficiency
- Promoting client well-being (Correct answer)
- Following client wishes without question
Correct answer: Promoting client well-being
The ethical principle of beneficence requires care managers to act in the best interest of their clients and actively promote their well-being. This means taking positive steps to provide good care, prevent harm, and maximize positive outcomes for the client. It guides decisions and actions towards improving the client's health, safety, and quality of life.
Question 4: What is the primary role of a care manager in advocacy?
- Decide treatments for clients
- Represent insurance companies
- Support client rights and needs (Correct answer)
- Limit communication with the care team
Correct answer: Support client rights and needs
The primary role of a care manager in advocacy is to champion and support the client's rights, preferences, and needs within the healthcare and social service systems. This involves speaking on behalf of the client, ensuring their voice is heard, and helping them navigate complex systems to access appropriate services and resources. Advocacy empowers clients and ensures their best interests are represented.
Question 5: What legal document allows someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of a client?
- Living will
- Durable power of attorney for healthcare (Correct answer)
- Client agreement form
- HIPAA form
Correct answer: Durable power of attorney for healthcare
A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOA-HC), also known as a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney, is a legal document that allows an individual to designate another person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. This ensures that their wishes regarding medical treatment are honored even when they cannot communicate them directly.
Question 6: How should a care manager respond to suspected elder abuse?
- Ignore it unless client complains
- Wait for more evidence
- Report immediately to authorities (Correct answer)
- Confront the suspected abuser directly
Correct answer: Report immediately to authorities
Care managers are often mandated reporters, meaning they have a legal and ethical obligation to report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the appropriate authorities (e.g., Adult Protective Services or law enforcement) immediately. Ignoring or delaying a report can put the client at further risk and may have legal consequences for the care manager.
CCM Ethics, Advocacy, & Legal Issues 1
What is the ethical principle of autonomy in care management?