NBCC Professional Orientation, Ethics & Legal Issues

Question 1

Which document outlines the ethical responsibilities of counselors?

Accepted Answer

ACA Code of Ethics

Answer

The ACA Code of Ethics, published by the American Counseling Association, serves as the authoritative guide outlining the ethical responsibilities and professional standards for counselors. It provides comprehensive principles and guidelines to ensure client welfare, maintain professional integrity, and address complex ethical dilemmas in practice.

Question 2

What should a counselor do if a client threatens harm to others?

Accepted Answer

Warn the potential victim and notify authorities

Answer

When a client expresses a serious and imminent threat of harm to an identifiable third party, counselors have a legal and ethical 'duty to warn' the potential victim and notify appropriate authorities. This principle, established by the Tarasoff case, mandates breaching confidentiality to protect others from foreseeable danger.

Question 3

What is informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Client’s understanding and agreement to participate

Answer

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in counseling, ensuring clients have a clear understanding of the therapeutic process before agreeing to participate. It involves providing comprehensive information about the nature of services, risks, benefits, confidentiality limits, and client rights, allowing for a voluntary and autonomous decision.

Question 4

Dual relationships are considered unethical when:

Accepted Answer

It causes harm or interferes with objectivity

Answer

Dual relationships occur when a counselor has both a professional and another type of relationship with a client. These relationships are considered unethical and harmful when they compromise the counselor's objectivity, impair their professional judgment, or create a risk of exploitation or harm to the client.

Question 5

Which law protects the privacy of health-related information?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA

Answer

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law enacted to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information. It sets national standards for the handling of sensitive patient data by healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities, ensuring confidentiality and patient rights.

(NBCC) National Board for Certified Counselors Practice Test

(NBCC) National Board for Certified Counselors Practice Test

NBCC Professional Orientation, Ethics & Legal Issues