Professional and Ethical Responsibilities Flashcards

Under mandatory reporting laws, an LCDC is required to report which of the following?

Answer: Reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect

All US states require mandatory reporters, including LCDCs, to report reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to child protective services.

The ethical principle of nonmaleficence in counseling means:

Answer: Avoiding actions that cause harm to the client

Nonmaleficence requires counselors to refrain from actions that could harm clients, either through incompetent practice or ethical violations.

Which scenario represents a violation of professional boundaries?

Answer: Accepting a substantial gift from a grateful client in recovery

Accepting significant gifts from clients creates a boundary violation that can impair objectivity and exploit the power differential in the therapeutic relationship.

Continuing education requirements for LCDC licensure renewal primarily serve to:

Answer: Ensure counselors maintain current knowledge and skills consistent with evolving evidence-based practices

Continuing education requirements ensure that LCDCs remain current with evolving research, treatment standards, and ethical guidelines.

If a counselor suspects a colleague is impaired by substance use during work hours, the ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Report concerns through appropriate channels to protect client safety

Client safety takes precedence; ethical practice requires reporting colleague impairment through supervisory or administrative channels.

The ethical principle of justice in counseling requires:

Answer: Providing fair and equitable treatment regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status

Justice requires equitable access to quality care and non-discriminatory treatment for all clients regardless of personal characteristics.