Section I: Resolving Ethical Issues Flashcards
How do counselors resolve ethical dilemmas?
With open communication among all parties.
I.1.a. Knowledge: Counselors are expected to know ACA Code of Ethics and other organizations’ ethics codes they are members of. What is not a defense in court?
Lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of an ethical responsibility.
I.1.b. Ethical decision making: When counselors are faced with an ethical dilemma, they use and document, as appropriate, what?
An ethical decision-making model that may include, but is not limited to, consultation; consideration of relevant ethical standards, principles, and laws; generation of potential courses of action; deliberation of risks and benefits; and selection of an objective decision based on the circumstances and welfare of all involved.
I.1.c. Conflicts Between Ethics and Laws: If ethical responsibilities conflict with the law, regulations, and/or other governing legal authority, what should counselors do?
Make known their commitment to the ACA Code of Ethics and take steps to resolve the conflict. If the conflict cannot be resolved using this approach, counselors, acting in the best interest of the client, may adhere to the requirements of the law, regulations, and/or other governing legal authority.
I.2.a. Informal Resolution: What should counselors do when they have reason to believe that another counselor is violating or has violated an ethical standard and substantial harm has not occurred?
They attempt to first resolve the issue informally with the other counselor if feasible, provided such action does not violate confidentiality rights that may be involved.
I.2.b. Reporting Ethical Violations: When should a counselor take further action, depending on the situation?
If an apparent violation has substantially harmed or is likely to substantially harm a person or organization and is not appropriate for informal resolution or is not resolved properly. Such action may include referral to state or national committees on professional ethics, voluntary national certification bodies, state licensing boards, or appropriate institutional authorities. The confidentiality rights of clients should be considered in all actions. This standard does not apply when counselors have been retained to review the work of another counselor whose professional conduct is in question.
I.2.c. Consultation: When should counselors seek consultation regarding ethics?
When uncertain about whether a particular situation or course of action may be in violation of the ACA Code of Ethics.
I.2.d. Organizational conflicts: What should a counselor do if their job is in conflict with ACA Code of Ethics?
Specify the nature of such conflicts and express to supervisors or other responsible officials their commitment to the ACA Code of Ethics and, when possible, work through the appropriate channels to address the situation.
I.2.e. Unwarranted Complaints: What types of complaints do counselors not make or encourage?
Retaliatory in nature or are made with reckless disregard or willful ignorance of facts that would disprove the allegation.
I.2.f. Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents: What do counselors not do based solely on someone having made an ethics complaint?
Deny individuals employment, advancement, admission to academic or other programs, tenure, or promotion. this does not preclude taking action based on the outcome of such proceedings or considering other appropriate information.
I.3. Cooperation with Ethics Committees: What process do counselors assist in?
Enforcing the ACA Code of Ethics. Counselors cooperate with investigations, proceedings, and requirements of the ACA Ethics Committee or ethics committees of other duly constituted associations or boards having jurisdiction over those charged with a violation.
