NCMHCE Professional Practice and Ethics 3

Question 1

Which situation MOST clearly represents a conflict of interest that requires a counselor to decline or withdraw from a case?

Accepted Answer

Counseling the adult child of a close personal friend

Answer

Counseling a client who shares the same religion as the counselor

Answer

Counseling a client in a different city than the counselor's practice

Answer

Counseling a client who previously worked in mental health

Question 2

Under HIPAA, a 'covered entity' in mental health practice is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

A health care provider who transmits health information electronically in connection with standard transactions

Answer

Any licensed counselor who accepts insurance payments

Answer

Any practice with more than 10 employees

Answer

A counselor who stores records in electronic health record software

Question 3

A client in a rural community is the only person who fits a very specific demographic. When writing a case study, the counselor must:

Accepted Answer

Obtain written consent and still alter identifying details sufficiently to prevent recognition

Answer

Simply change the client's name before publication

Answer

Not publish the case study under any circumstances

Answer

Only publish in academic journals not accessible to the general public

Question 4

A counselor working in a school setting learns a 16-year-old student is sexually active with a 17-year-old peer. Both parties appear to consent. The counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Assess whether state law requires reporting and then follow applicable mandates

Answer

Report immediately as statutory rape in all states

Answer

Inform the student's parents without hesitation

Answer

Take no action because both parties are minors and consented

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of 'beneficence' in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Using evidence-based interventions most likely to produce positive client outcomes

Answer

Explaining the limits of confidentiality before starting treatment

Answer

Charging sliding-scale fees to low-income clients

Answer

Referring clients to specialists when outside one's competence

Question 6

A counselor disagrees with a managed care organization's decision to deny further sessions for a client who remains at risk. The ethically appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Formally appeal the denial, document the client's risk, and discuss options with the client

Answer

Immediately terminate the client because services are not covered

Answer

Continue sessions for free indefinitely

Answer

Contact the client's employer to request the insurer extend benefits

Question 7

When providing telehealth services, a counselor MUST verify a client's physical location at each session primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure the counselor holds a license in the state where the client is physically present

Answer

Bill insurance correctly based on geographic rates

Answer

Comply with HIPAA data storage requirements

Answer

Confirm the client is not in a public location