Professional Issues And Ethical Practices Answer The Questio

Professional Issues And Ethical Practicesanswer The Questions Below By

Review and answer the following questions based on Chapter 6 of your textbook related to professional issues and ethical practices in Human Health Services (HHS).

1. Counselors and therapists are required to obtain and hold a state-specific license in order to conduct therapy or counseling with a client. True False

2. It is mandatory to obtain informed consent from all clients who receive services in the HHS field. True False

3. Codes of ethics offer standards that when violated, may result in informal or formal discipline. True False

4. It is NOT important to maintain ethical standards as an HHS worker. True False

5. If an HHS worker discovers a youth is being abused, they should NEVER report the abuse. True False

6. Ethical codes define standards of conduct. True False

7. Ethical issues can arise sometimes while working with clients of different ethnic backgrounds or who have mental health issues. True False

8. An HHS worker must always uphold client confidentiality. True False

9. Client confidentiality protects the client from unauthorized disclosures of personal information. True False

10. A client always has the right to refuse services or treatment by not giving their informed consent. True False

11. Based on what you have learned, describe the impact of chronic physical illness on individual and family life cycles. Type answer here

12. What kind of impact could a family member suffering from a mental illness have on the family life cycle or family system? Type answer here

13. Imagine that you are a Certified Behavioral Health Technician working with autistic children. You are responsible for monitoring and sometimes modifying behaviors, and training parents on handling these behaviors. Explain some benefits or challenges of working with children with mental or physical disabilities. Type answer here

14. Reflect on what you have learned over the past five weeks. Why is it important for HHS workers to understand how mental or physical illnesses can severely impact individuals and families? Provide an explanation below. Type answer here

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding professional issues and ethical practices within the Human Health Services (HHS) field is critical for providing high-quality, ethical care to clients. Chapter 6 of the textbook emphasizes key aspects such as licensure requirements, informed consent, confidentiality, and the influence of ethical codes on practice standards. These principles are essential to safeguarding client rights, maintaining professional integrity, and ensuring effective, respectful interactions across diverse populations.

Regarding licensure, it is mandatory for counselors and therapists to obtain state-specific licenses prior to practicing therapy or counseling. This requirement ensures practitioners meet professional standards, are qualified, and can provide safe, effective services (American Counseling Association, 2014). The licensing process often includes comprehensive training, supervised experience, and successful completion of examinations designed to uphold competence and protect the public.

Informed consent is another fundamental ethical obligation. All clients receiving services in the HHS field must be fully informed about the nature, scope, and potential risks of their treatment options. This process respects client autonomy and fosters trust. Without informed consent, services could be considered unethical or legally invalid, exposing practitioners to disciplinary actions as outlined in professional ethical codes (Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2018).

Ethical codes serve as standards for conduct within the HHS profession. When these standards are violated, disciplinary measures—either informal or formal—may be enacted. Such codes promote accountability and help maintain public confidence in health and human services professionals. They cover issues such as client confidentiality, competency, dual relationships, and cultural competence (National Association of Social Workers, 2017).

Upholding ethical standards is non-negotiable for HHS workers, as breaches can harm clients and damage the credibility of the profession. Ethical practice ensures fairness, respects client rights, and promotes the well-being of clients, especially in sensitive situations involving mental health or diverse backgrounds (Knapp & VandeCreek, 2012).

Mandatory reporting laws stipulate that HHS workers must report suspicions or evidence of abuse, particularly in vulnerable populations like youth. Reporting abuse is essential for protecting clients and preventing further harm, even if it conflicts with a worker’s obligation to maintain confidentiality. Failure to report can lead to legal penalties and ethical censure (Fong & Kamesh, 2021).

Client confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical practice in HHS. It safeguards personal information from unauthorized disclosures, fostering trust between clients and practitioners. However, confidentiality can be ethically breached if necessary to prevent harm, such as imminent danger to the client or others, following legal and ethical guidelines (Bernstein et al., 2018).

Clients retain the right to refuse services or treatment, emphasizing the importance of informed consent. Respecting client autonomy is central to ethical practice; no one should be coerced into treatment without understanding and voluntarily agreeing to it.

The impact of chronic physical illnesses extends beyond individual suffering; it influences family dynamics through shifts in roles, emotional responses, and caregiving responsibilities. For example, individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis often require ongoing medical management, which can strain familial relationships, financial stability, and daily routines (Krause & Jay, 2017). Family members may assume caregiver roles, leading to stress and possible burnout, affecting overall family functioning and life cycle transitions.

Similarly, mental illnesses in family members can significantly alter family systems. Conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder may disrupt communication, create emotional distance, or precipitate conflicts. Families often experience cycles of crisis, adaptation, and resilience, which influence long-term functioning (Kerr & Bowen, 2017). Support systems and therapeutic interventions can help families navigate these challenges more effectively.

As a certified behavioral health technician working with autistic children, one faces both benefits and challenges. Benefits include witnessing positive developmental progress, strengthening family bonds through education, and the rewarding experience of improving children's quality of life. Challenges involve managing complex behaviors, ensuring consistency across home and therapy settings, and providing emotional support to parents coping with diagnoses. Working with children with disabilities requires patience, cultural sensitivity, and adaptive strategies (Odom et al., 2017).

Over five weeks of learning, it becomes clear that understanding mental and physical health conditions is essential for HHS workers. These illnesses profoundly impact individuals and families, influencing emotional health, social dynamics, and daily functioning. Recognizing these impacts enables professionals to deliver empathetic, tailored care, promote resilience, and advocate for appropriate resources and interventions. Such understanding fosters a holistic approach that considers the biological, psychological, and social factors affecting clients' well-being (World Health Organization, 2020).

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Bernstein, D. A., Penner, L. A., Clarke-Stewart, A., & Roy, E. J. (2018). Psychology (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Corey, G., Corey, M., & Callanan, P. (2018). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Fong, R. K., & Kamesh, B. (2021). Mandatory reporting laws and ethical considerations in child abuse cases. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 30(4), 962–973.
• Kerr, M. E., & Bowen, M. (2017). Family Evaluation: An Approach Based on Bowen Theory. Norton.
• Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Practical Ethics for Psychologists: A Positive Approach. American Psychological Association.
• Krause, N., & Jay, J. (2017). Chronic illness and the family life cycle. In P. McGoldrick (Ed.), The Changing Family Life Cycle (pp. 265–278). Jossey-Bass.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of Ethics. NASW.
• Odom, S. L., Collet-Klingenberg, L., Rogers, S. J., & Hatton, D. D. (2017). Early intervention for children with autism: Practical applications and policy issues. Autism, 21(7), 15–23.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Health Topics: Mental health. WHO.