NCTRC Professionalism and Ethical Conduct 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CTRS discovers that a colleague is falsifying client progress notes to meet productivity quotas. What is the most appropriate first step?
- Ignore the situation to avoid workplace conflict
- Report the colleague directly to state licensing authorities
- Address the concern with the colleague directly or through supervisory channels (Correct answer)
- Document personal observations and wait to see if the behavior continues
Correct answer: Address the concern with the colleague directly or through supervisory channels
The NCTRC Code of Ethics requires CTRSs to address ethical violations through appropriate internal channels before escalating to external bodies.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'scope of practice' for a CTRS?
- The geographic region where a CTRS is permitted to work
- The range of services a CTRS is qualified and authorized to provide based on education, training, and certification (Correct answer)
- The number of clients a CTRS can serve simultaneously
- The types of facilities where a CTRS may seek employment
Correct answer: The range of services a CTRS is qualified and authorized to provide based on education, training, and certification
Scope of practice defines the procedures, actions, and processes a CTRS is competent and permitted to perform.
Question 3: A client discloses information suggesting they may harm themselves. The CTRS is bound by confidentiality but also by duty to warn. What ethical principle is in direct tension here?
- Beneficence vs. non-maleficence
- Autonomy vs. beneficence
- Confidentiality vs. duty to protect (Correct answer)
- Justice vs. fidelity
Correct answer: Confidentiality vs. duty to protect
The duty to maintain client confidentiality conflicts with the professional and legal obligation to protect the client or others from harm.
Question 4: Which action demonstrates adherence to the ethical principle of fidelity in recreational therapy practice?
- Providing equitable services regardless of client background
- Honoring commitments made to clients and maintaining trustworthiness (Correct answer)
- Avoiding actions that cause harm to clients
- Promoting client self-determination in treatment decisions
Correct answer: Honoring commitments made to clients and maintaining trustworthiness
Fidelity refers to fulfilling commitments, being loyal, and maintaining trust with clients and colleagues.
Question 5: A CTRS is asked by a supervisor to lead a program outside their area of competence. The most ethical response is to:
- Comply with the supervisor's request to maintain employment
- Decline and explain the competency concern to the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Attempt the program and rely on general professional skills
- Ask a non-certified colleague to co-lead without disclosing the reason
Correct answer: Decline and explain the competency concern to the supervisor
CTRSs are ethically obligated to practice only within their competence and must communicate limitations to supervisors.
Question 6: When a CTRS accepts gifts from a client's family as appreciation for services, this raises concern primarily because:
- It violates tax reporting requirements
- It may create a dual relationship and compromise professional objectivity (Correct answer)
- It is prohibited by all state recreational therapy laws
- It could be misinterpreted by other staff members
Correct answer: It may create a dual relationship and compromise professional objectivity
Accepting gifts can blur professional boundaries and create conflicts of interest that compromise the therapeutic relationship.
Question 7: The NCTRC credentialing process requires CTRSs to complete continuing education primarily to ensure:
- Compliance with facility accreditation standards
- Ongoing competence and currency with best practices in the field (Correct answer)
- Eligibility for salary increases and promotions
- Compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing regulations
Correct answer: Ongoing competence and currency with best practices in the field
Continuing education requirements exist to maintain professional competence and ensure CTRSs stay current with evolving evidence-based practices.
NCTRC Professionalism and Ethical Conduct 4
A CTRS discovers that a colleague is falsifying client progress notes to meet productivity quotas.
What is the most appropriate first step?