Problem: As a student, how will you respond to this classmate of yours below, include in-text citation, references and ask questions
There are many ways that one could try to ensure treatment services are continued in the ways a client needs them, some of these are ethical and some are not. Under ACA Code A.7.a. (Advocacy), counselors are to "advocate at individual, group, institutional, and societal levels to address potential barriers and obstacles that inhibit access and/or the growth and development of clients" (2014). Need Assignment Help?
Professionally Appropriate and Ethical:
- Adhering to Code. A.7.a. (Advocacy) by resubmitting the appropriate documentation to see if the managed care system would change its previous decision.
- I.1.b. (Ethical Decision Making) or Consultation: when faced with a difficult decision counselors have options including, "consultation; consideration of relevant ethical standards, principles, and laws; generation of potential courses of action; deliberation of risks and benefits; and selection of an objective decision based on the circumstances and welfare of all involved."
- Another way one could work to provide treatment needed for their client would be to find additional funding or sourcing for costs, like through the Affordable Care Act.
Violations of Ethical Standards:
- Changing documentation or client notes to fit the managed care system requirements for furthering treatment. This goes against Code A.1.b. (Records and Documentation) and Code section B.6.
- Providing patient information for continued care but without patient consent which goes against Codes B.1.b. (Respect for Privacy), B.1.c. (Respect for Confidentiality), B.2.e. (Minimal Disclosure), and E.4. (Release of Data to Qualified Personnel).
- Misusing assessments to get different results which is against Code E.1.b. (Client Welfare) and E.2.b. (Appropriate Use). Code E.2.b. states, "Counselors are responsible for the appropriate application, scoring, interpretation, and use of assessment instruments relevant to the needs of the client, whether they score and interpret such assessments themselves or use technology or other services.
- Improperly diagnosing a client (E.5.d. [Refraining from Diagnosis]).
- Lastly, improper billing for reimbursement.