Which organization's Code of Ethics covers confidentiality and records-keeping practices?

Prepare for the LPCC Law and Ethics Test 2. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Enhance your understanding of ethics and legal standards for effective counseling practice.

Multiple Choice

Which organization's Code of Ethics covers confidentiality and records-keeping practices?

Confidentiality and records-keeping for counselors are guided by the ethics code that directly applies to the counseling profession. The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics is the authoritative source here. It lays out how to protect client information, when confidentiality can be breached, and how to handle records—from who can access them and how they’re stored to how long they’re kept and how information is released with proper consent. It also specifies the situations that require disclosure (like mandated reporting or imminent danger) and the need to obtain informed consent for recordkeeping and any sharing of information. While the APA code governs psychologists and the State Bar governs lawyers, counselors follow the ACA code (often supplemented by state laws and NBCC standards). That’s why the ACA code is the best fit for confidentiality and records-keeping practices in counseling.

Confidentiality and records-keeping for counselors are guided by the ethics code that directly applies to the counseling profession. The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics is the authoritative source here. It lays out how to protect client information, when confidentiality can be breached, and how to handle records—from who can access them and how they’re stored to how long they’re kept and how information is released with proper consent. It also specifies the situations that require disclosure (like mandated reporting or imminent danger) and the need to obtain informed consent for recordkeeping and any sharing of information.

While the APA code governs psychologists and the State Bar governs lawyers, counselors follow the ACA code (often supplemented by state laws and NBCC standards). That’s why the ACA code is the best fit for confidentiality and records-keeping practices in counseling.

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