Ethical Standards and Professional Responsibility
This domain tests the ethical framework behind the rules: client welfare, competence, honesty, informed consent, and managing conflicts. Questions often ask what a counselor should do when legal minimums and ethical ideals diverge.
Framework
Ethical standards require autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity. The Board's rules and statutes set the minimum legal standard; professional codes and consultation guide higher-level decisions. Competence includes cultural humility, ongoing education, accurate self-assessment, and knowing when to refer.
Ethical decision-making
Identify the dilemma and stakeholders; gather facts; consult the statute, Board rules, and code; consider cultural context; consult colleagues; evaluate options and consequences; act; document; review. The test is not only what can be defended legally but also what protects the client and the public trust.
Common responsibilities
Use informed consent, maintain confidentiality, avoid exploitation, advertise accurately, report suspected abuse, cooperate with the Board, and address impaired or unethical colleagues through appropriate channels. Manage technology and social media with the same confidentiality and boundary standards. Termination should be planned, with referral and records access.
Worked example
A client asks the counselor to delete a progress note that mentions a suicide risk assessment so the client's spouse will not see it in a records release. The counselor explains that records cannot be altered or deleted, offers to discuss what is being released, and obtains a proper authorization or asserts privilege if needed. The counselor documents the request and response.
Traps
Using personal values as the legal standard. Treating confidentiality as absolute after death or in court. Assuming a colleague's unethical conduct is not your concern. Confusing consultation with supervision. Letting a client's request to hide information override record-integrity duties.