ARKANSAS JURISPRUDENCE COUNSELING UPDATED STUDY
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
1. A newly licensed professional counselor in Arkansas is preparing to open a private practice.
Before seeing any clients, the counselor wants to ensure compliance with state jurisprudence
requirements. Which of the following steps is MOST consistent with Arkansas-style counseling
regulation and professional standards?
A. Rely on the counseling code of ethics alone, because state statutes rarely address day-to-day
clinical practice
B. Begin practice immediately after passing the exam, then apply for a license number within 90
days
C. Review Arkansas statutes and Board rules governing counseling, obtain an active license
number, and display the license prominently in the practice setting
D. Delegate all jurisprudence concerns to a retained attorney and focus solely on clinical
concerns
Correct answer: C. Review Arkansas statutes and Board rules governing counseling, obtain an
active license number, and display the license prominently in the practice setting
Rationale:
State counseling boards typically require that a counselor be fully licensed and in good standing
before providing independent services, and licenses must be verifiable and current. Board rules
usually require that the license or a suitable copy be displayed in the primary location where
services are delivered so that clients can confirm the provider’s credentials. In addition to
professional ethical codes, state statutes and administrative rules govern scope of practice,
supervision, continuing education, and disciplinary processes, and practitioners have a duty to
know and follow them. Relying solely on ethical codes (Option A) is insufficient. Beginning
practice without an active license (Option B) is generally unlawful. While legal counsel can be
helpful (Option D), counselors cannot delegate their professional responsibility to understand
and comply with state law [1].
2. An Arkansas-licensed counselor is asked to provide telehealth services to a former client who
has moved permanently to another state. The counselor wants to comply with applicable law
and ethical principles. Which is the BEST first step?
,A. Continue treatment as usual, because the professional relationship began in Arkansas
B. Verify licensure requirements in the client’s new state and determine whether the counselor
can lawfully practice telehealth across state lines
C. Refer the client immediately and discontinue any contact, because telehealth across states is
always prohibited
D. Ask the client to sign a waiver indicating they accept all legal risks of cross-state telehealth
Correct answer: B. Verify licensure requirements in the client’s new state and determine
whether the counselor can lawfully practice telehealth across state lines
Rationale:
Telehealth jurisprudence is typically governed by the location of the client, not just the
counselor. A prudent Arkansas counselor must check whether the destination state allows
telehealth services by an out-of-state counselor (e.g., temporary practice allowances, telehealth
registration, or full licensure). Continuing as usual because treatment originated in Arkansas
(Option A) ignores jurisdictional issues. A categorical prohibition (Option C) is inaccurate; many
states permit some form of cross-state practice under specific conditions. A client waiver
(Option D) does not legitimize unauthorized practice and will not protect the counselor from
regulatory action. Counselors must ensure they comply with both Arkansas law and the client’s
current state’s requirements [1].
3. Under typical Arkansas-style counseling statutes and board rules, which of the following is
the PRIMARY legal purpose of informed consent?
A. To transfer liability from the counselor to the client for any adverse events
B. To document that the counselor explained treatment risks, benefits, limits of confidentiality,
and client rights in a manner the client can understand
C. To create a contractual guarantee of treatment success
D. To ensure the counselor may share client information with any other health professional
without further consent
Correct answer: B. To document that the counselor explained treatment risks, benefits, limits
of confidentiality, and client rights in a manner the client can understand
Rationale:
Informed consent is both an ethical and legal requirement. Its core legal function is to ensure
that clients receive adequate information about the nature and purpose of services, risks and
benefits, alternatives, fees, limits of confidentiality (e.g., harm to self or others, abuse
reporting), and their right to withdraw from services, so they can make a knowing, voluntary
decision to participate. It is not a waiver of liability (Option A) or a performance guarantee
,(Option C). It does not grant unlimited authority to share information (Option D); instead,
disclosures still must meet legal and ethical standards, and specific releases of information are
often required [1].
4. An Arkansas counselor is working with a 14-year-old client reporting depressive symptoms
and occasional suicidal thoughts without a specific plan or intent. The minor’s parent has not
yet been informed. Considering typical Arkansas jurisprudence regarding minors and risk, which
action is MOST appropriate?
A. Maintain strict confidentiality and never disclose risk concerns to parents/guardians
regarding minors
B. Assess risk in detail, involve the parent/guardian in safety planning consistent with state law
on minors’ consent and confidentiality, and document the rationale
C. Immediately hospitalize the client involuntarily without informing parents
D. Tell the parent everything the minor has shared without discussing this plan with the client
Correct answer: B. Assess risk in detail, involve the parent/guardian in safety planning
consistent with state law on minors’ consent and confidentiality, and document the rationale
Rationale:
In most U.S. jurisdictions, including Arkansas-style frameworks, counselors balance minor
confidentiality with parental rights and safety obligations. When a minor expresses suicidal
ideation, the counselor must conduct a thorough risk assessment, consider the seriousness of
the threat, and usually involve parents or legal guardians in safety planning, unless doing so
would place the minor at greater risk (e.g., abuse). Documentation of clinical judgment and
legal rationale is critical. Blanket non-disclosure to parents (Option A) fails to recognize parents’
legal responsibility and the counselor’s duty of care. Immediate involuntary hospitalization
(Option C) may be unwarranted for low to moderate risk. Disclosing “everything” without
engaging the minor in the process (Option D) can damage trust and may exceed what is
necessary for safety [1].
5. Which of the following BEST describes the usual Arkansas-style legal and ethical requirement
regarding dual relationships between counselors and clients?
A. Dual relationships are always prohibited, regardless of circumstances
B. Dual relationships are permitted if they are potentially beneficial or unavoidable and do not
impair professional judgment or risk client exploitation
C. Dual relationships are encouraged to build stronger therapeutic alliances in small
, communities
D. Dual relationships are allowed only if approved in writing by the Board before they occur
Correct answer: B. Dual relationships are permitted if they are potentially beneficial or
unavoidable and do not impair professional judgment or risk client exploitation
Rationale:
Most professional codes and state boards, including those in Arkansas-style systems, do not ban
all dual relationships. Instead, they prohibit harmful, exploitative, or boundary-violating
relationships that impair objectivity or risk exploitation. In small or rural communities, some
dual roles (e.g., school counselor and community volunteer) may be unavoidable; counselors
must minimize risk, obtain informed consent, and monitor the impact on the therapeutic
relationship. Option A overstates the prohibition. Option C misstates policy; dual roles are not
“encouraged.” Option D is unrealistic; boards do not pre-approve particular relationships in
routine practice [1].
6. A counseling intern under supervision in Arkansas mistakenly believes that, because she is
not yet independently licensed, she cannot be named in a malpractice or board complaint.
From a jurisprudence perspective, which statement is MOST accurate?
A. Only fully licensed counselors can be subject to complaints
B. Interns and supervisees can be subject to complaints and legal actions, and supervisors may
share responsibility
C. The supervisor alone is liable, because interns practice under the supervisor’s license
D. Interns are immune from malpractice actions if they follow all supervisor instructions
Correct answer: fB. Interns and supervisees can be subject to complaints and legal actions,
and supervisors may share responsibility
Rationale:
Interns and supervisees are not shielded from legal or ethical accountability. Clients and boards
can file complaints against them, and civil suits may name both the supervisee and supervisor.
Supervisors typically carry added responsibility for oversight and may also face discipline if they
fail to provide adequate supervision. Option A is incorrect because unlicensed status does not
prevent complaints. Option C oversimplifies; a supervisor’s role does not eliminate a
supervisee’s individual responsibility. Option D is inaccurate; following instructions does not
guarantee immunity if actions are negligent or unethical [1].
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
1. A newly licensed professional counselor in Arkansas is preparing to open a private practice.
Before seeing any clients, the counselor wants to ensure compliance with state jurisprudence
requirements. Which of the following steps is MOST consistent with Arkansas-style counseling
regulation and professional standards?
A. Rely on the counseling code of ethics alone, because state statutes rarely address day-to-day
clinical practice
B. Begin practice immediately after passing the exam, then apply for a license number within 90
days
C. Review Arkansas statutes and Board rules governing counseling, obtain an active license
number, and display the license prominently in the practice setting
D. Delegate all jurisprudence concerns to a retained attorney and focus solely on clinical
concerns
Correct answer: C. Review Arkansas statutes and Board rules governing counseling, obtain an
active license number, and display the license prominently in the practice setting
Rationale:
State counseling boards typically require that a counselor be fully licensed and in good standing
before providing independent services, and licenses must be verifiable and current. Board rules
usually require that the license or a suitable copy be displayed in the primary location where
services are delivered so that clients can confirm the provider’s credentials. In addition to
professional ethical codes, state statutes and administrative rules govern scope of practice,
supervision, continuing education, and disciplinary processes, and practitioners have a duty to
know and follow them. Relying solely on ethical codes (Option A) is insufficient. Beginning
practice without an active license (Option B) is generally unlawful. While legal counsel can be
helpful (Option D), counselors cannot delegate their professional responsibility to understand
and comply with state law [1].
2. An Arkansas-licensed counselor is asked to provide telehealth services to a former client who
has moved permanently to another state. The counselor wants to comply with applicable law
and ethical principles. Which is the BEST first step?
,A. Continue treatment as usual, because the professional relationship began in Arkansas
B. Verify licensure requirements in the client’s new state and determine whether the counselor
can lawfully practice telehealth across state lines
C. Refer the client immediately and discontinue any contact, because telehealth across states is
always prohibited
D. Ask the client to sign a waiver indicating they accept all legal risks of cross-state telehealth
Correct answer: B. Verify licensure requirements in the client’s new state and determine
whether the counselor can lawfully practice telehealth across state lines
Rationale:
Telehealth jurisprudence is typically governed by the location of the client, not just the
counselor. A prudent Arkansas counselor must check whether the destination state allows
telehealth services by an out-of-state counselor (e.g., temporary practice allowances, telehealth
registration, or full licensure). Continuing as usual because treatment originated in Arkansas
(Option A) ignores jurisdictional issues. A categorical prohibition (Option C) is inaccurate; many
states permit some form of cross-state practice under specific conditions. A client waiver
(Option D) does not legitimize unauthorized practice and will not protect the counselor from
regulatory action. Counselors must ensure they comply with both Arkansas law and the client’s
current state’s requirements [1].
3. Under typical Arkansas-style counseling statutes and board rules, which of the following is
the PRIMARY legal purpose of informed consent?
A. To transfer liability from the counselor to the client for any adverse events
B. To document that the counselor explained treatment risks, benefits, limits of confidentiality,
and client rights in a manner the client can understand
C. To create a contractual guarantee of treatment success
D. To ensure the counselor may share client information with any other health professional
without further consent
Correct answer: B. To document that the counselor explained treatment risks, benefits, limits
of confidentiality, and client rights in a manner the client can understand
Rationale:
Informed consent is both an ethical and legal requirement. Its core legal function is to ensure
that clients receive adequate information about the nature and purpose of services, risks and
benefits, alternatives, fees, limits of confidentiality (e.g., harm to self or others, abuse
reporting), and their right to withdraw from services, so they can make a knowing, voluntary
decision to participate. It is not a waiver of liability (Option A) or a performance guarantee
,(Option C). It does not grant unlimited authority to share information (Option D); instead,
disclosures still must meet legal and ethical standards, and specific releases of information are
often required [1].
4. An Arkansas counselor is working with a 14-year-old client reporting depressive symptoms
and occasional suicidal thoughts without a specific plan or intent. The minor’s parent has not
yet been informed. Considering typical Arkansas jurisprudence regarding minors and risk, which
action is MOST appropriate?
A. Maintain strict confidentiality and never disclose risk concerns to parents/guardians
regarding minors
B. Assess risk in detail, involve the parent/guardian in safety planning consistent with state law
on minors’ consent and confidentiality, and document the rationale
C. Immediately hospitalize the client involuntarily without informing parents
D. Tell the parent everything the minor has shared without discussing this plan with the client
Correct answer: B. Assess risk in detail, involve the parent/guardian in safety planning
consistent with state law on minors’ consent and confidentiality, and document the rationale
Rationale:
In most U.S. jurisdictions, including Arkansas-style frameworks, counselors balance minor
confidentiality with parental rights and safety obligations. When a minor expresses suicidal
ideation, the counselor must conduct a thorough risk assessment, consider the seriousness of
the threat, and usually involve parents or legal guardians in safety planning, unless doing so
would place the minor at greater risk (e.g., abuse). Documentation of clinical judgment and
legal rationale is critical. Blanket non-disclosure to parents (Option A) fails to recognize parents’
legal responsibility and the counselor’s duty of care. Immediate involuntary hospitalization
(Option C) may be unwarranted for low to moderate risk. Disclosing “everything” without
engaging the minor in the process (Option D) can damage trust and may exceed what is
necessary for safety [1].
5. Which of the following BEST describes the usual Arkansas-style legal and ethical requirement
regarding dual relationships between counselors and clients?
A. Dual relationships are always prohibited, regardless of circumstances
B. Dual relationships are permitted if they are potentially beneficial or unavoidable and do not
impair professional judgment or risk client exploitation
C. Dual relationships are encouraged to build stronger therapeutic alliances in small
, communities
D. Dual relationships are allowed only if approved in writing by the Board before they occur
Correct answer: B. Dual relationships are permitted if they are potentially beneficial or
unavoidable and do not impair professional judgment or risk client exploitation
Rationale:
Most professional codes and state boards, including those in Arkansas-style systems, do not ban
all dual relationships. Instead, they prohibit harmful, exploitative, or boundary-violating
relationships that impair objectivity or risk exploitation. In small or rural communities, some
dual roles (e.g., school counselor and community volunteer) may be unavoidable; counselors
must minimize risk, obtain informed consent, and monitor the impact on the therapeutic
relationship. Option A overstates the prohibition. Option C misstates policy; dual roles are not
“encouraged.” Option D is unrealistic; boards do not pre-approve particular relationships in
routine practice [1].
6. A counseling intern under supervision in Arkansas mistakenly believes that, because she is
not yet independently licensed, she cannot be named in a malpractice or board complaint.
From a jurisprudence perspective, which statement is MOST accurate?
A. Only fully licensed counselors can be subject to complaints
B. Interns and supervisees can be subject to complaints and legal actions, and supervisors may
share responsibility
C. The supervisor alone is liable, because interns practice under the supervisor’s license
D. Interns are immune from malpractice actions if they follow all supervisor instructions
Correct answer: fB. Interns and supervisees can be subject to complaints and legal actions,
and supervisors may share responsibility
Rationale:
Interns and supervisees are not shielded from legal or ethical accountability. Clients and boards
can file complaints against them, and civil suits may name both the supervisee and supervisor.
Supervisors typically carry added responsibility for oversight and may also face discipline if they
fail to provide adequate supervision. Option A is incorrect because unlicensed status does not
prevent complaints. Option C oversimplifies; a supervisor’s role does not eliminate a
supervisee’s individual responsibility. Option D is inaccurate; following instructions does not
guarantee immunity if actions are negligent or unethical [1].
