Professional Ethics and Practice Standards Flashcards

Under HIPAA privacy principles applicable to health and wellness practitioners, reflexologists must:

Answer: Protect client health information and share it only with proper authorization

Client health information is confidential and may only be shared with the client's written authorization or when legally required, in keeping with privacy principles modeled after HIPAA.

Which bioethical principle is most directly applied when a reflexologist avoids techniques known to cause discomfort or harm?

Answer: Nonmaleficence

Nonmaleficence — the principle of 'do no harm' — is applied when a practitioner deliberately avoids actions that could injure or harm the client.

A reflexologist must obtain documented informed consent in which of the following situations?

Answer: Before every new client's first session and when treatment plans significantly change

Informed consent must be obtained before beginning work with a new client and again whenever there is a significant change in the treatment plan or techniques used.

After each reflexology session, practitioners should document which of the following in client records?

Answer: Session date, areas worked, client response, and any notable observations

Thorough session notes including date, areas addressed, client feedback, and observations allow for consistent, informed follow-up care and legal protection.

Which organization offers the most widely recognized national certification for reflexologists in the United States?

Answer: American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB)

The American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) is the primary national body that credentials professional reflexologists in the United States through standardized examination.

How should a reflexologist professionally respond when a client becomes emotionally distressed or tearful during a session?

Answer: Pause, offer compassionate support, and allow the client to decide whether to continue

Reflexology can trigger emotional releases; the appropriate response is to pause compassionately, check in with the client, and respect their autonomy about whether to continue.

A reflexologist charging different rates for clients of different racial backgrounds would violate which professional principle?

Answer: Justice

Justice requires fair, equitable treatment of all clients; discriminatory pricing based on race violates this core ethical principle and may also violate civil rights laws.