There Are Times When Human Services Providers Are Obl 118431

There Are Times When Human Services Providers Are Obligated To Release

There are times when human services providers are obligated to release confidential information about clients in spite of having concerns about how the information will be used. However, they are also responsible for protecting the clients' privacy at such times. The case that you will analyze in this assignment illustrates the conflict faced by human services professionals when responding to requests for their clients' confidential information. The Case: Assume that you are working with a client who was referred to you by his probation officer. You receive a request by the probation officer for all of your client's records since the beginning of his treatment.

You have consent from your client to release the records. However, the records contain information that you think would cause the probation officer to misappropriate her authority with your client because the officer has informally shared with you her disdain for people who have engaged in the type of activity that your client admitted to in one of your sessions. While you have the obligation to release your client's records, your values about the potential abuse of authority by the probation officer cause significant internal conflict about releasing the records. Tasks: Consider the case and respond to the following in about 300 words: Discuss how you would negotiate the conflict between your values and your ethical obligation to release your client's records.

In your answer, you should address the following: The extent of information being requested The client's understanding of the purpose of releasing the confidential information Your duty to protect your client's right to privacy The potential result if you refuse to release the records Your response should rely upon at least 2 sources from additional professional literature. Professional literature may include the Argosy University online library resources, relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, or .gov).

Paper For Above instruction

In professional human services practice, balancing ethical obligations with personal values presents a complex challenge, especially when it involves disclosing confidential client information. The case involving a request for client records by a probation officer highlights the delicate intersection of legal mandates, ethical principles, and personal moral considerations. Addressing this dilemma requires a nuanced understanding of confidentiality standards, informed consent, and the potential consequences of disclosure or nondisclosure.

Primarily, clarity about the extent of information being requested is essential. In this case, the probation officer requests all records since the beginning of treatment, which raises questions about the scope and relevance of the requested data. Human services professionals must evaluate whether the entire record is necessary or if a targeted disclosure aligning with the purpose of the request is appropriate. According to the American Counseling Association (ACA, 2014), confidentiality extends to the deliberate sharing of information, and disclosures should be limited to what's reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose stated by the requesting agency.

Second, the client’s understanding of the purpose of releasing the information is a fundamental aspect of ethical practice. Informed consent entails explaining the nature of the request, the reasons for disclosure, potential risks, and how the information will be used. The client in this scenario appears to have consented without full awareness of the possible misuse of information by the probation officer. Ensuring that the client understands the scope and implications of disclosure aligns with professional standards (Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2014).

Third, the duty to protect the client’s right to privacy may conflict with legal obligations. While legal mandates—such as those governing subpoenaed records—may compel disclosure, professionals are advised to advocate for their clients by clarifying or limiting the scope of the request. The counselor can discuss these concerns with the probation officer, seeking to narrow the scope or clarify the purpose, thereby balancing legal compliance with ethical responsibilities.

Finally, refusing to release records may have adverse consequences, including damage to the therapeutic relationship, legal action, or the client’s continued risk if pertinent information remains undisclosed. Conversely, disclosing overly broad or sensitive information, especially if it involves potential misuse or abuse of authority, could harm the client or violate their rights. As Hodge (2015) emphasizes, ethical practice involves weighing these outcomes carefully while ensuring actions align with the core principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.

In conclusion, navigating this conflict involves an informed, client-centered approach that emphasizes transparency, limits on disclosure, and advocacy to minimize harm. Empirical and ethical guidelines from professional associations serve as valuable frameworks in making these difficult decisions, ensuring that both legal and moral considerations are thoughtfully balanced.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2014). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole.
• Hodge, D. R. (2015). Ethical dilemmas in human services: Balancing principles, rights, and responsibilities. Journal of Human Services, 35(2), 113-122.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2017). NASW code of ethics. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
• Reamer, F. G. (2018). Ethical standards in social work: A review of the NASW code of ethics. Social Work, 63(4), 385–393.
• American Psychological Association. (2021). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
• Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Practical ethics for psychologists: A positive approach. American Psychological Association.
• Schmidt, S. R., & Brown, J. M. (2019). Evidence-based practice for social workers. Sage Publications.
• Federal Trade Commission. (2020). Confidentiality and privacy in the digital age. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/privacy-and-security
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Confidentiality of substance use disorder client records. HHS Publication No. SMA-19-5068. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov