Week 3 Topic 1
Assessment Description
Describe the importance of the scope of practice and level of competence for ethical
practice as a behavioral health paraprofessional. Examine the importance of engaging in
supervisory consultation to resolve ethical dilemmas by providing an example.
Scope of practice is what we as paraprofessionals are allowed to perform while providing care
to a client. It is important to know exactly what we can do this way we do not go outside our
bounds. Going beyond the scope of practice can be seen as unethical. Providing services that
are outside the professional's level of competence is unethical as well. Continuing education
and being well informed assures our clients are up to date with their care. Informed consent
ensures our clients have all the information prior to making their own medical decisions. Being
in the behavioral health field, the scope of practice, and informed consent are important in
providing our clients with the best care possible.
Week 3 Topic 2
Assessment Description
Explain the differences between boundary extension vs. boundary violation and
provide examples for each. Describe at least three reasons why appropriate
boundaries are needed with clients. What would happen if any of the boundaries
were violated?
Confidentiality is probably one of the most important parts of our jobs. Our clients are relying
on us to keep their information and what they share with us private. Maintaining
confidentiality is not only an ethical obligation, but it is a moral one as well. The only
exception to breaking confidentiality would be if the client discloses that they have been hurt,
hurt someone else, or if they are hurting themselves. Unless any of this has been disclosed, we
are required to keep confidentiality. Because of confidentiality, our clients can disclose
sensitive information with us with the comfort of knowing what they are saying will not be
used against them in anyway or discussed with other people.
"Informed consent in the treatment context is defined broadly as the dialogue between a
clinician and patient regarding the nature of a particular medical treatment" (Darby, 2018).
Informed consent in a counseling setting includes paraprofessionals relaying the limits of
confidentiality to clients. Clients have a right to have all pertinent information given to them in
order to make an informed decision about their care. Because of informed consent, a client can
have control of their care and treatment plans. As counselors, we are not supposed to make the
decision for the client. After providing all the information, it is up to the client to choose.
Assessment Description
Describe the importance of the scope of practice and level of competence for ethical
practice as a behavioral health paraprofessional. Examine the importance of engaging in
supervisory consultation to resolve ethical dilemmas by providing an example.
Scope of practice is what we as paraprofessionals are allowed to perform while providing care
to a client. It is important to know exactly what we can do this way we do not go outside our
bounds. Going beyond the scope of practice can be seen as unethical. Providing services that
are outside the professional's level of competence is unethical as well. Continuing education
and being well informed assures our clients are up to date with their care. Informed consent
ensures our clients have all the information prior to making their own medical decisions. Being
in the behavioral health field, the scope of practice, and informed consent are important in
providing our clients with the best care possible.
Week 3 Topic 2
Assessment Description
Explain the differences between boundary extension vs. boundary violation and
provide examples for each. Describe at least three reasons why appropriate
boundaries are needed with clients. What would happen if any of the boundaries
were violated?
Confidentiality is probably one of the most important parts of our jobs. Our clients are relying
on us to keep their information and what they share with us private. Maintaining
confidentiality is not only an ethical obligation, but it is a moral one as well. The only
exception to breaking confidentiality would be if the client discloses that they have been hurt,
hurt someone else, or if they are hurting themselves. Unless any of this has been disclosed, we
are required to keep confidentiality. Because of confidentiality, our clients can disclose
sensitive information with us with the comfort of knowing what they are saying will not be
used against them in anyway or discussed with other people.
"Informed consent in the treatment context is defined broadly as the dialogue between a
clinician and patient regarding the nature of a particular medical treatment" (Darby, 2018).
Informed consent in a counseling setting includes paraprofessionals relaying the limits of
confidentiality to clients. Clients have a right to have all pertinent information given to them in
order to make an informed decision about their care. Because of informed consent, a client can
have control of their care and treatment plans. As counselors, we are not supposed to make the
decision for the client. After providing all the information, it is up to the client to choose.
