FREE LADC Professional and Ethical Responsibilities Questions and Answers

Question 1

An LADC receives a subpoena from a client's attorney for all treatment records to be used in a child custody hearing.
The subpoena is not accompanied by a specific court order or a written consent form from the client that complies with federal regulations.
What is the counselor's most appropriate ethical and legal response?

Accepted Answer

Assert the privilege of confidentiality under 42 CFR Part 2 and refuse to release records without a compliant court order or valid client consent.

Answer

Immediately release a summary of the records to the attorney.

Answer

Contact the client's ex-spouse to verify the need for the records.

Answer

Provide the records directly to the judge presiding over the custody case.

Question 2

An LADC has been working with a client for six months. The client, a successful restaurant owner, has made significant progress and, as a token of appreciation, offers the LADC a gift certificate for a free dinner for two at their high-end restaurant. What is the MOST ethical course of action for the LADC?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the gift, explaining the importance of maintaining professional boundaries to protect the therapeutic relationship.

Answer

Accept the gift, as refusing it could damage the therapeutic relationship.

Answer

Accept the gift but insist on paying for the meal to make it a fair exchange.

Answer

Suggest the client donate the value of the gift certificate to the treatment facility instead.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an essential component of the informed consent process at the beginning of a therapeutic relationship?

Accepted Answer

A guarantee that the client will achieve and maintain sobriety.

Answer

A discussion of the limits of confidentiality, including mandated reporting.

Answer

An explanation of the fees for services and policies for non-payment.

Answer

Information about the counselor's therapeutic approach and the nature of treatment.

Question 4

A client, who is stable in their recovery from opioid use disorder, reveals they are experiencing significant marital problems. The client asks the LADC for intensive couples counseling. The LADC has no specific training or supervised experience in marital or family therapy. What is the LADC's primary ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the limits of their expertise and refer the client to a qualified marital and family therapist while continuing to provide SUD counseling.

Answer

Attempt to provide the couples counseling to maintain rapport with the client.

Answer

Inform the client that marital problems are outside the scope of addiction treatment.

Answer

Immediately terminate the counseling relationship with the client.

Question 5

During a session, a client discloses that they have been leaving their 8-year-old child home alone for hours at a time while they go out to drink. The client seems unaware of the danger this poses. What is the LADC's immediate ethical and legal responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Make a report to the appropriate child protective services agency based on reasonable suspicion of neglect.

Answer

Develop a safety plan with the client to address the issue in the next session.

Answer

First, explore the client's own childhood history of being left alone.

Answer

Wait for more details or evidence before taking any action to avoid breaking confidentiality.

Question 6

Which of the following actions best demonstrates a counselor's commitment to avoiding dual relationships?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to counsel a close friend or family member and instead providing them with a referral.

Answer

Hiring a former client to perform maintenance work at the counselor's home a year after treatment ended.

Answer

Accepting a current client's social media friend request to provide additional support.

Answer

Attending the same 12-step meeting as a current client.