Ethics

[Dr. Linton Hutchinson]

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Code of Ethics describes standard practices. Sometimes standards of practice conflict with each other. Unethical practices include violation of confidentiality, abandonment, sexual relations, negligence, incompetence, imposition of values, fraudulent representation of training/credentials, encouraging dependency, conflict of interest (often derived from dual relationships), and charging excessive fees. Steps to take in the midst of an ethical dilemma include: looking up relevant information in the code of ethics, consulting with colleagues (particularly supervisors), and thinking of the ethical problems in terms of values such as the greatest good, the least harm, promotion of autonomy, honoring commitments and justice. Dual relationships with supervisors, supervisees, and coworkers (such as dating) must be evaluated for ethical problems.