Practice Test Geeks(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test
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Ethical Problem-Solving and Confidentiality Flashcards

7 cards from real PSS 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 Problem-Solving and Confidentiality flashcards as text

  1. Under 42 CFR Part 2, substance use disorder treatment records receive protections that are:

    Answer: Stricter than general HIPAA rules and require specific written consent for most disclosures

    42 CFR Part 2 imposes more stringent confidentiality requirements on SUD records than standard HIPAA, requiring explicit written consent for nearly all disclosures.

  2. A peer specialist receives a subpoena for records related to a person they support. The correct response is to:

    Answer: Consult with a supervisor and agency legal counsel before releasing anything

    A subpoena does not automatically override confidentiality—legal counsel must determine if a valid exception applies before records are released.

  3. Dual relationships in peer support are problematic primarily because they:

    Answer: Create conflicts of interest that can compromise the support relationship

    Dual relationships blur boundaries and can lead to bias, exploitation, or compromised objectivity in the support relationship.

  4. A person served by a peer specialist asks the peer specialist to be their Facebook friend. The most ethical response is to:

    Answer: Decline and explain the professional boundary around social media connections

    Social media connections with people served create boundary violations by blending personal and professional relationships.

  5. A person in peer support says, 'I want to hurt my neighbor who keeps harassing me.' The peer specialist's first priority is to:

    Answer: Explore the statement to assess intent, plan, and means

    Assessing the seriousness of a threat—intent, plan, access to means—must precede any reporting or intervention decision.

  6. Which of the following is an example of practicing within the scope of a peer specialist's role?

    Answer: Sharing a personal recovery story to illustrate hope

    Using lived experience to inspire hope is a core, in-scope peer support function, unlike clinical assessment or treatment planning.

  7. A peer specialist is offered a gift of significant monetary value by a grateful person they support. The ethical action is to:

    Answer: Decline politely and explain the agency's gift policy

    Accepting significant gifts creates boundary violations and potential conflicts of interest, and most agencies have explicit policies prohibiting it.