WMS Ethical Standards & Professional Conduct 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary obligation of a certified professional regarding patient/client confidentiality?
- Protect all personal information and disclose only with proper authorization (Correct answer)
- Share information freely with other professionals
- Keep records only if the patient requests it
- Disclose information when it benefits the practice
Correct answer: Protect all personal information and disclose only with proper authorization
Protecting confidential information and disclosing only with proper authorization is a fundamental ethical and legal obligation of all certified professionals.
Question 2: When faced with a conflict of interest, what is the appropriate course of action?
- Disclose the conflict and recuse yourself from the situation (Correct answer)
- Proceed as normal if it benefits the client
- Ignore the conflict if it seems minor
- Discuss it only if someone complains
Correct answer: Disclose the conflict and recuse yourself from the situation
Disclosing conflicts of interest and recusing oneself ensures objective decision-making and maintains professional integrity.
Question 3: What constitutes a boundary violation in professional practice?
- Engaging in dual relationships that could impair professional judgment (Correct answer)
- Maintaining strict professional communication
- Following organizational policies
- Attending continuing education events
Correct answer: Engaging in dual relationships that could impair professional judgment
Dual relationships that could impair professional judgment represent boundary violations, potentially compromising the quality and objectivity of professional services.
Question 4: How should a professional handle a situation where they lack competence?
- Refer the client to a qualified professional or seek additional training (Correct answer)
- Attempt the work and learn from mistakes
- Accept the work to avoid losing the client
- Delegate to an unlicensed assistant
Correct answer: Refer the client to a qualified professional or seek additional training
Referring to qualified professionals or obtaining additional training when facing competence limitations protects clients and upholds professional standards.
Question 5: What is the appropriate response to witnessing unethical conduct by a colleague?
- Report the conduct through established channels and document observations (Correct answer)
- Ignore it to maintain workplace harmony
- Confront the colleague publicly
- Post about it on social media
Correct answer: Report the conduct through established channels and document observations
Reporting through established channels with proper documentation follows professional obligations to protect public welfare while ensuring due process.
Question 6: Why is continuing education important for maintaining ethical practice?
- It ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards and best practices (Correct answer)
- It is only needed to maintain certification status
- It replaces the need for experience
- It is optional for experienced practitioners
Correct answer: It ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards and best practices
Continuing education ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards, new research, and best practices, directly supporting ethical and competent practice.
