Problem: As a student, how will you respond to this classmate post with in text citation and references and questions?
Tennessee's House Bill 1840 "conscience clause," raises a significant ethical dilemma by permitting counselors to refuse services when a client's goals, outcomes, or behaviors conflict with the counselor's sincerely held religious or moral principles. While the statute protects "freedom of conscience," it can collide with the profession's ethical mandate to prioritize client welfare and equitable access to care. A central moral question is whether refusing services constitutes discrimination or creates foreseeable harm by limiting timely, appropriate treatment.
From an ACA ethics standpoint, this tension is clear. Counselors are obligated to place client well-being first (A.1.a), avoid imposing personal values (A.4.b), and practice with cultural competence across diverse populations (C.2.a). In addition, referrals should not be driven solely by the counselor's personal values; if referral is necessary, it must be handled carefully to prevent client abandonment and minimize harm (A.11.b). In other terms, a counselor should first engage in self-reflection, supervision, and consultation to determine whether they can provide competent, client-centered care without bias.
The ASERVIC Competencies emphasize recognizing diversity and practicing from a cross-cultural perspective that honors each person's worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness within their social and cultural context. In the end, HB 1840 requires counselors to weigh what the law permits against their ethical duty to protect clients from harm, promote client welfare, and ensure fair, equitable treatment. Need Assignment Help?