If you suspect a licensed colleague of violating ethical guidelines, what is the appropriate approach?

• A. Handle the situation informally or file a report, depending on which course of action you believe is most appropriate
• B. Always file a formal ethics complaint immediately
• C. Ignore the concern and continue practice
• D. Discuss the issue with a supervisor only

Answer: (A)

When you suspect a licensed colleague may be violating ethical guidelines, the right move is to act through the appropriate channels that protect clients and maintain professional accountability. Start with an informal approach if it seems safe and appropriate: have a respectful, direct conversation with the colleague about the concerns, give them a chance to respond or correct the issue, and document what you observed and any outcomes of the discussion. If the concern remains or involves clear risk to clients, escalate through formal avenues such as reporting to the licensing board or an ethics committee, following your jurisdiction’s procedures. The choice between informal resolution and formal reporting depends on the seriousness of the conduct, the risk to clients, and the likelihood you can resolve it through discussion. Always document steps taken and seek guidance from supervisors or ethics resources as needed.

Avoid ignoring the concern or handling it only informally if client safety is at risk, and recognize that filing a formal complaint immediately isn’t always required or appropriate for every issue. The goal is to address the matter responsibly while protecting clients and upholding professional standards.