There are many important updates from the 2005 to the 2014 ethical codes.
For example, the 2005 code of ethics allowed counselors to refer a terminally ill client who expressed interest in exploring “end of life” options based on their own personal values.
The 2014 ACA code of ethics no longer includes this guideline. In other words, counselors can no longer refer these types of cases based on personal values.
If they do, they would be violating standard A.11.b which states that counselors refrain from referring both prospective and current clients on the basis of the counselor’s personally held values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors.
The current standard suggests that referring a client to another therapist should be the intervention of last resort.
If counselor competency is a concern, then careful supervision and consultation should occur to make determinations about next steps in the best interest of the client.
Counselor’s should continuously seek to attain and maintain their counseling competencies. This includes researching and reading about clinical and ethical issues.
American Counseling Association: Ethics 2014 ACA Code of Ethics
Copyright © 2015 Ruby Blow. All rights reserved.
Do you want to learn more about the 2014 ACA code of ethics? If so, please pay attention to the training opportunities I am offering through out the year.
I will be at Anchor Hospital, February 20th. Like my Facebook page to learn more and view my calendar of events.