Business and Ethics in Health Coaching Flashcards

According to IAHC ethics standards, a health coach who becomes romantically involved with a current client is violating which ethical principle?

Answer: Professional boundaries

IAHC requires strict professional boundaries; dual relationships with current clients undermine objectivity, trust, and the coaching relationship's integrity.

An IAHC coach discovers a client is engaging in a behavior that is potentially dangerous to themselves. The coach should:

Answer: Assess risk level, address it within the session, and refer to appropriate health or emergency services if needed

IAHC ethics require balancing confidentiality with duty of care; coaches must assess risk, discuss it with the client, and refer to professionals when safety is at stake.

Which practice is required by IAHC to protect client privacy in a health coaching business?

Answer: Obtaining written consent before sharing any client information with third parties

IAHC ethics require explicit written informed consent before disclosing any client information, protecting privacy and the trust foundation of the coaching relationship.

An IAHC-certified coach is contacted by a client's spouse asking for coaching notes. The coach should:

Answer: Decline and explain that client information is confidential without the client's written consent

IAHC confidentiality principles prohibit sharing client information with anyone, including family members, without the client's explicit written authorization.

When marketing health coaching services, IAHC ethics prohibit coaches from:

Answer: Guaranteeing specific health outcomes such as 'lose 20 pounds in 30 days'

Guaranteeing specific outcomes is unethical and potentially fraudulent; individual results vary and coaches cannot promise clinical results.

An IAHC health coach recognizes that a client's presenting issue exceeds coaching scope and requires mental health care. The ethical action is:

Answer: Refer the client to a licensed mental health professional and adjust or pause the coaching scope

IAHC coaches operate within their scope of practice and have an ethical obligation to refer clients to licensed professionals when clinical needs arise.