orientation: ethics and legal issues Flashcards
aspirational ethics
The optimal standard of behavior and the highest professional standards of conduct to which professional counselors can aspire.
ACA ethical principles
autonomy
nonmaleficence
beneficence
justice
fidelity
veracityAutonomy
The ability of clients to exercise free will and act independently.
Beneficence
In contrast to nonmaleficence, means doing only good.
Nonmaleficence
The foundational principle upon which counselors operate: to do no harm to clients.
justice
A principle according to which counselors will not discriminate against clients and will ensure that all clients receive equal treatment
Fidelity:
honoring commitments and keeping promises, including fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust in
professional relationships
veracity
dealing truthfully with individuals with whom counselors come into professional contact
10-step ethical decision-making process
- Identify the problem or concern.
- Study pertinent codes of ethics and research.
- Reflect on the principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity.
- Consult with other professionals.
- Maintain an awareness of your emotions to ensure that emotions do not cloud your judgment.
- Include the client in the decision-making process whenever feasible.
- Decide how you would like to see the situation resolved and brainstorm courses of action.
- Examine the possible consequences for all courses of action and then select the one you would like to take.
- Assess your chosen course of action.
- Take action.
ACA Code of Ethics
A set of guidelines established by the American Counseling Association (ACA) to guide the professional practice of counselors to ensure the welfare and safety of clients.
the nine sections that constitute the ACA Code of Ethics:
A. The Counseling Relationship
B. Confidentiality and Privacy
C. Professional Responsibility
D. Relationships with Other Professionals
E. Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation
F. Supervision, Training, and Teaching
G. Research and Publication
H. Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social Media
I. Resolving Ethical Issues
NBCC
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): A credentialing organization for professional counselors seeking certification. The NBCC’s leading credential is the National Certified Counselor (NCC). To obtain this credential, counselors must meet specific educational criteria as well as pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
liability
A principle that holds that professional counselors have the legal obligation to act with due care in professional practice; those who fail to do so can be held legally and financially responsible for any damages to the client that were incurred during the counseling process
tort
An act that results in injury to another person, property, or reputation, entitling the injured party to compensation. Torts are not considered criminal wrongdoings and cover both intentional and unintentional acts.
defamation
A type of tort that refers to marring an individual’s reputation through the intentional spreading of falsehoods. Libel refers to defamation through writing, while slander is defamation through spoken statement(s).
