The Procedure Of Preventative Measures In Counseling

There are many preventative measures the counselor could have and should have implemented in Case #8. The information provided clearly demonstrates that the counselor and the counseling center repeatedly failed to take preventive measures i.e. handling of computer files, pass codes, mail, billing invoices and other confidential information. The facts that the director’s last name was used as a passcode, the invoice was on a secretary’s desk and the code was taped under a mouse pad, clearly demonstrates that the counselor failed to comply with standards established to maintain high confidentiality with regard to electronic files. The standards was not implemented. There was a serious breach of confidentiality that was not immediately acknowledged. First and foremost, the files were easy to break into
If there was not an adequate explanation available for the breach of Mary’s confidentiality, Mary should not have had to deal with it on her own, especially in her condition. Contact with a supervisor, campus security or other departments should have been immediate with intentions to find answers that should have been shared with Mary. The counselor is made aware of a breach of confidential information and does not behave in accordance with the Code of Ethics. The counselor should be familiar with the procedures for handling a potential ethics violation. She should refer to the Codes and follow proper procedures. A lack of knowledge or a lack of action with regard to a serious violation is not a defense against a charge or unethical conduct. The counselor should have immediately consulted a supervisor and or her department chairperson. It is reported that the client was not able to receive resolution. Counselor behaves unethically by inaction. Lack of ethical decision making is not a defense a charge of unethical