Ethical and Legal Issues Facing Helpers

Flashcards covering ethical and legal issues for helpers

Ethics

Ideal standards enforced by professional associations.

Laws

Minimum standards enforced by government agencies.

Ethical Practice

Basing actions on informed, sound, and responsible judgment.

Professional codes

Basis for accountability.

Informed consent

The basis of a collaborative partnership and should continue for the duration of the helping relationship.

Confidentiality

Essential but not absolute, and state laws specify when it must be compromised.

Confidentiality

Must be breached when a client poses a danger to self, others, or is a minor victim of child abuse.

HIPAA Privacy Rule

Gives patients more rights and control over their health information.

Client records

Helping professionals are ethically and legally responsible to maintain adequate…

Five major ethical issues regarding practices of managed care

Informed Consent, Confidentiality, Abandonment, Utilization Review, and Competence.

Grounds for malpractice

include abandoning a client, sexual misconduct, and breaking confidentiality inappropriately.

To prevent a malpractice suit, one should…

Define clear contracts with clients and document carefully.

Sexual relationships with clients

To prevent malpractice actions, one should avoid engaging in…