NBHWC - National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Professional Ethics and Conduct Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client consistently discusses feelings of hopelessness and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed, which seem to be impacting their ability to engage in the coaching process.
When the coach inquires, the client says they haven't spoken to a doctor about it.
What is the coach's MOST ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Co-create a behavioral goal with the client to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or mental health professional.

Answer

Provide the client with literature on the symptoms of depression and suggest they read it.

Answer

Continue the coaching session, focusing only on the client's stated wellness goals to avoid overstepping.

Answer

Explore the root causes of the client's feelings of hopelessness to better understand their barriers.

Question 2

According to the NBHWC Code of Ethics, which of the following best describes the primary ethical problem with establishing a dual relationship, such as coaching a close friend or relative?

Accepted Answer

The coach's professional objectivity and judgment could be compromised.

Answer

The friend or relative may be less likely to pay for the coaching services.

Answer

It can be difficult to maintain confidentiality with a close relation.

Answer

The coach may not possess the specific skills required to help that individual.

Question 3

A client asks their health coach to create a detailed, prescriptive 7-day meal plan with specific calorie and macronutrient targets to help them manage their newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. What is the most appropriate and ethical response from the coach?

Accepted Answer

Explain that prescribing a meal plan, especially for a medical condition, is outside a coach's scope of practice and refer the client to a Registered Dietitian.

Answer

Create the meal plan to be supportive, as it aligns with the client's health goals.

Answer

Guide the client in a goal-setting session to explore their own meal ideas and preferences.

Answer

Provide the client with a generic, low-glycemic meal plan found on a reputable health website.

Question 4

A health coach is creating a professional website to attract new clients. Which of the following statements represents the MOST ethical and accurate representation of their qualifications as an NBC-HWC?

Accepted Answer

"As an NBC-HWC, I partner with clients to facilitate self-directed change and achieve their wellness goals."

Answer

"As a certified health expert, I guarantee you will lose 20 pounds in 3 months."

Answer

"I function as a healthcare professional to help you reverse and cure your chronic health conditions."

Answer

"As a certified nutritionist and wellness consultant, I will prescribe the best diet for you."

Question 5

A client is part of a corporate wellness program. The client's direct manager contacts the health coach and asks for an update on the client's progress, stating it is for a performance review. According to the NBHWC Code of Ethics, which action MUST the coach take?

Accepted Answer

Politely explain the coach's duty of confidentiality and state that no individual client information can be shared.

Answer

Ask the client for permission to share a high-level summary of their goals with the manager.

Answer

Provide a general, non-specific update to the manager to show the program's value.

Answer

Suggest that the manager should ask the employee about their progress directly.

Question 6

At the conclusion of a successful coaching package, a client expresses immense gratitude and offers the coach a gift card to an expensive restaurant. What is the most ethically sound course of action for the coach?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the gift, explaining the professional policy of not accepting gifts to maintain clear boundaries.

Answer

Accept the gift to avoid offending the client and damaging rapport.

Answer

Suggest the client write a testimonial for the coach's website instead.

Answer

Accept the gift, but inform the client that it will be donated to a local charity.