Ethical Guidelines & Professional Standards Flashcards
7 cards from real AAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethical Guidelines & Professional Standards flashcards as text
Which document outlines the rights of clients participating in AAT and the responsibilities of the practitioner before treatment begins?
Answer: The informed consent form
The informed consent form communicates client rights, session expectations, risks, and practitioner responsibilities prior to beginning AAT.
A practitioner trained in social work wants to incorporate AAT. What ethical step must they take first?
Answer: Obtain specialized training in animal-assisted therapy and ensure it falls within their professional scope
Practitioners must obtain AAT-specific training and ensure the practice aligns with their professional scope before integrating it into their work.
What is the ethical concern with a practitioner developing a personal friendship with a current AAT client?
Answer: It creates a dual relationship that can compromise therapeutic objectivity and client welfare
Dual relationships blur professional boundaries and can harm clients by compromising the therapist's objectivity and the integrity of treatment.
How often should therapy animals receive veterinary health evaluations to meet ethical standards?
Answer: At least annually, or more frequently as recommended by a veterinarian
Annual (or more frequent) veterinary health evaluations ensure the animal is healthy enough to participate safely in AAT sessions.
A practitioner suspects a colleague is conducting AAT sessions without proper credentials. What is the ethical response?
Answer: Address the concern through appropriate channels such as supervisors or credentialing bodies
Ethical codes require practitioners to address suspected professional misconduct through appropriate organizational or credentialing channels.
Which principle requires AAT practitioners to actively promote the well-being of clients beyond simply avoiding harm?
Answer: Beneficence
Beneficence is the ethical principle requiring practitioners to take positive action to benefit clients and promote their well-being.
A client with a severe dog phobia is referred for AAT. What is the ethically appropriate first step?
Answer: Conduct a thorough assessment and discuss the client's comfort level and consent before any animal interaction
A thorough assessment and obtaining informed consent regarding animal interaction is required before proceeding with AAT for any client, especially those with fears or phobias.