Abstract
In this paper I will discuss the ethical vignette as it deals with confidentiality and ethical dilemmas that counselor’s face. I will reflect on a video presentation as well as the North Carolina rules and regulation and the ACA Code of Ethics as it relates to confidentiality and ethics. I will explain why confidentiality is important and what the rules says about it. This will help me and others to become a better counselor.
Summary
As I began to read and listen to the material that dealt with the Ethical vignette as it dealt with confidentiality and ethical dilemmas that counselor’s will deal with in their day to day work environment. The video presentation made me look at the types of decisions that have to be made and the thought process of making these decisions.
Nellie the niece of the judge had good points on a lot of the cases that where presented to them and Joseph the Lawyer had some good points as well, but it all comes down to what is the right decision for the good of all. Making sure that no one is taking advantage of and everyone is protected by the law. This video presentation also helped me to see that even though you might think something is right you have to make sure that the law is clear on the matter to make sure that you as a counselor will a sound decision.
I next looked at my state board rules and regulation that apply to confidentially and ethics. The North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselor (NCBLPC) States that, “Protecting the confidentiality of clients’ information is a key component of the counseling profession’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice”. They also stated confidentiality is a right of all clients under the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and fidelity.
In the state of North Carolina Rule (NCGS § 8-53.8) states that, “No person, duly licensed pursuant to Chapter 90, Article 24, of the General Statutes, shall be required to disclose any information which he or she may have acquired in rendering professional counseling services, and which information was necessary to enable him or her to render professional counseling services: Provided, that the presiding judge of a superior or district court may compel such disclosure, if in the court’s opinion the same is necessary to a proper administration of justice and such disclosure is not prohibited by other statute or regulation. (1983, c. 755, s. 2; 1993, c. 514, s. 2.) “.
Next I looked at what ACA code of Ethics mandates that we do concerning these matters. In Section B.1.c counselor has to respect the rights of all clients to confidentiality and cannot share the information without client consent or without legal or ethical justification. Also in Section C.2.e and f states that the Counselors should take reasonable steps to consult with other counselors or related professionals when they have questions regarding their ethical obligations or professional practice and they must take continuing education so that they can maintain reasonable levels of awareness.
Response
My reaction to the video at first was “This is a long video” then I began to really listen to what they were talking about and reflect on what they were saying and how it applies to me right now. I began to change my thought process on how serious this really is. Now believe me I know how important it is because I work in the field every day, but it made me want to make sure that I’m doing the right things the way that they are supposed to be done. Making sure that confidentiality is at the top of the list and that my ethics are always at the forefront of my decision making.
Action
Based on the video Presentation, North Carolina Boards rules and regulation, and the ACA Code of Ethics I will make sure that I have an available copy of these documents near my work station and also an electronic copy on my Ipad so that I can easily reference them in counseling sessions or while talking with other colleagues. I will also look at our company polices to make sure that we are in line with all regulations. This will help the company as well as the employees so that no one will be in violation of in state or federal laws when it comes to confidentiality and ethics.
