Ethical Principles
Acting in the client’s best interest, even if they don’t agree, represents this principle.
→ What is beneficence?
This process must occur before treatment begins and ensures the client understands risks, benefits, and options.
→ What is informed consent?
When a counselor over identifies with a client’s trauma and loses objectivity, this is happening.
→ What is countertransference?
According to Wisconsin SPS 164, this is the minimum time a former client is still considered a client for sexual boundary purposes.
→ What is 2 years?
This federal law protects general healthcare information like names, dates, and diagnoses.
→ What is HIPAA?
This principle emphasizes “doing no harm.”
→ What is non-maleficence?
Clients have this right if they disagree with their treatment plan or how they’ve been treated.
→ What is the grievance process?
Accepting a gift that influences your decisions is an example of this ethical risk.
→ What is a dual relationship (or conflict of interest)?
Practicing while impaired by illness, alcohol, or drugs violates this Wisconsin Administrative Code chapter.
→ What is SPS 164.01?
Unlike HIPAA, this rule prevents re-disclosure even to other providers unless explicitly authorized.
→ What is 42 CFR Part 2?
This principle emphasizes truth-telling and honesty in the client-helper relationship.
→ What is veracity?
This document authorizes the release of a client’s personal health information.
→ What is a Release of Information (ROI)?
Counselors should avoid rescuing clients because it violates this ethical boundary principle.
→ What is autonomy or professional integrity?
In Wisconsin, a client is still considered a “patient” for 2 years after services end when determining if this occurred. (it is violated the most often)
→ What is inappropriate sexual contact or a boundary violation?
One valid reason to breach confidentiality without consent is this type of emergency.
→ What is a medical emergency or danger to self/others?
Upholding this principle means respecting the client’s right to make their own choices.
→ What is autonomy?
A provider must inform clients about the scope of services and alternatives, which is part of this legal process.
→ What is disclosure?
This emotional hazard can happen when repeatedly exposed to trauma and stress.
→ What is secondary traumatization or compassion fatigue?
Offering services without having the proper education, training, or experience is considered this type of violation under SPS 164.
→ What is practicing beyond one’s scope of competence?
This document outlines what services a client can expect and what their rights are.
→ What is informed consent?
Ethical decisions should balance fairness and equality, aligning with this principle.
→ What is justice?
According to Wisconsin’s standard ROI form, this must be clearly stated to define how long the authorization is valid.
→ What is the expiration date, number of months, or specific event triggering expiration?
When a counselor discloses too much personal information or shifts the focus of sessions to their own experiences, this has occurred.
→ What is a boundary crossing?
Allowing interns or supervisees to perform services that exceed their training or your own scope violates this Wisconsin rule.
→ What is supervisory negligence or failure to ensure scope alignment?
Clients are entitled to this process when they feel their rights were violated.
→ What is a grievance procedure?