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 the adult child of a close personal friend creates a dual relationship that compromises objectivity and professional judgment.

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

HIPAA defines covered entities as health care providers who transmit protected health information electronically for standard transactions such as billing.

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

Even with consent, counselors must disguise identifying information thoroughly enough that clients cannot be recognized, especially in small communities.

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

Age of consent and mandatory reporting thresholds vary by state, so the counselor must know applicable state law before determining what action is required.

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

Beneficence means actively promoting client well-being, most concretely expressed by selecting interventions with demonstrated effectiveness.

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE Professional Practice and Ethics 3