IBCLC Ethics and Professional Conduct 2

Question 1

An IBCLC discovers that a colleague is recommending a specific brand of formula in exchange for compensation from the manufacturer. What action is required?

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to the IBLCE ethics committee

Answer

Discuss it privately with the colleague and take no further action

Answer

Ignore it as it is not the IBCLC's responsibility

Answer

Only report it if a mother complains

Question 2

A mother asks an IBCLC to diagnose her infant's tongue-tie. What is the appropriate scope of practice response?

Accepted Answer

Assess oral function during breastfeeding and refer to a qualified provider for diagnosis

Answer

Diagnose the tongue-tie since it directly affects breastfeeding

Answer

Refuse to examine the infant's mouth

Answer

Provide a diagnosis but document it as an assessment

Question 3

An IBCLC working in a hospital learns that the facility is distributing formula company-sponsored gift bags to breastfeeding mothers at discharge. What is the IBCLC's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the removal of formula company marketing materials from discharge bags

Answer

Accept the practice as it is a hospital decision

Answer

Only object if asked for an opinion

Answer

Distribute the bags but recommend mothers ignore the formula samples

Question 4

An IBCLC receives a request to provide a paid testimonial for a breast pump manufacturer to use in their marketing. Is this permissible?

Accepted Answer

No, providing paid endorsements for products within the IBCLC's professional scope creates a conflict of interest

Answer

Yes, as long as the testimonial is truthful

Answer

Yes, if the IBCLC discloses the payment

Answer

Only if the breast pump has been clinically tested

Question 5

An IBCLC is providing volunteer lactation support in a disaster relief setting. She notices that large quantities of infant formula are being donated and distributed without assessment of need. What principle guides her response?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for targeted distribution based on the Operational Guidance on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies

Answer

Accept all donations gratefully as resources are scarce

Answer

Refuse to participate in any formula distribution

Answer

Distribute formula only to mothers who request it

Question 6

An IBCLC realizes she has provided incorrect information to a mother during a previous consultation that may have contributed to the infant's weight loss. What is the ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Contact the mother, disclose the error, provide correct information, and document the incident

Answer

Hope the error is not discovered and be more careful in the future

Answer

Only disclose if the mother asks about the weight loss

Answer

Ask a colleague to contact the mother instead