CAC Ethics and Professional Standards 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NAADAC's Code of Ethics, which principle requires counselors to promote the well-being of clients above all other concerns?
- Beneficence (Correct answer)
- Autonomy
- Fidelity
- Justice
Correct answer: Beneficence
Beneficence obligates counselors to act in the best interests of clients and to actively promote their welfare.
Question 2: When is a counselor legally required to breach client confidentiality under the 'duty to warn'?
- When a client makes a credible threat to harm an identifiable third party (Correct answer)
- When a client relapses and uses substances
- When requested by the client's employer
- When a court orders access to all records
Correct answer: When a client makes a credible threat to harm an identifiable third party
Based on the Tarasoff ruling, counselors have a duty to warn identifiable potential victims when a client makes a serious, credible threat of harm.
Question 3: Under 42 CFR Part 2, substance use disorder treatment records have confidentiality protections that are:
- Stricter than general HIPAA protections (Correct answer)
- Identical to HIPAA protections
- Weaker than HIPAA protections
- Not regulated by federal law
Correct answer: Stricter than general HIPAA protections
42 CFR Part 2 provides heightened confidentiality protections for SUD treatment records, requiring specific consent even for disclosures permitted under standard HIPAA.
Question 4: What is the MOST appropriate initial response when a counselor realizes they are developing romantic feelings for a client?
- Seek clinical supervision immediately (Correct answer)
- Transfer the client to another counselor without explanation
- Disclose the feelings to the client to be transparent
- Document the feelings and continue treatment as usual
Correct answer: Seek clinical supervision immediately
Seeking clinical supervision is the first appropriate step when a counselor recognizes countertransference issues, including romantic feelings toward a client.
Question 5: Which term describes an ethical violation in which a counselor uses their professional position to exploit a client for personal gain?
- Boundary violation (Correct answer)
- Countertransference
- Dual relationship
- Impairment
Correct answer: Boundary violation
A boundary violation occurs when a counselor crosses professional limits in a way that exploits or harms the client, such as a sexual or financial relationship.
Question 6: A client who is mandated to treatment by the court still has the right to:
- Refuse specific treatment interventions (Correct answer)
- Refuse all treatment without legal consequence
- Have their records shared freely with law enforcement
- Waive confidentiality rights permanently
Correct answer: Refuse specific treatment interventions
Even mandated clients retain the right to refuse specific treatments; however, refusal may have legal consequences such as probation violation.
CAC Ethics and Professional Standards 1
According to NAADAC's Code of Ethics, which principle requires counselors to promote the well-being of clients above all other concerns?