Advertising and Confidentiality

Question 1

Promotional efforts are a discreditable act if they…

Answer 1

are false, misleading or deceptive such as
1 Create false or unjustified expectations
2 Imply the ability to influence
3 contain a representation that the member will perform services for states fees when it is likely fee will be substantially increased

Question 2

General rule of Confidentiality

Answer 2

A member in public practice shall not disclose confidential client info w/o specific consent of a client

Question 3

It is a _______ to inappropriately disclose confidential client information

Answer 3

Discreditable Act

Question 4

What are exception to disclosing confidential information?

Answer 4

1 Have clients consent
2 Permitted by law and authorized by employer
3 Required by law such as to comply with subpoena or summons
4 Inform public authorities of violation of law

Question 5

What are exceptions to disclosing confidential information when not prohibited by law?

Answer 5

1 Initiate ethics complaint w/ AICPA
2 Comply with professional standards
3 Reporting potential concerns regarding questionable accounting

Question 6

Other areas of when confidentiality is important…

Answer 6

1 When member withdraws from an engagement permission is needed from client to release info to new successor
2 Divorce
3 Outsourcing, unless 3rd party is bound by contract to maintain confidentiality
4 Involved in peer reviews info must remain confidential
5 If taking on a new client would likely lead to disclosure of confidential info from an existing client, member should not take on new client w/o informed consent of existing client