Ethics for Substance Abuse Counselors

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based upon material compiled by the Addictions Training Institute to meet recertification and license renewals needs for behavioral health professionals who require continuing education in ethics. The course material has been compiled from multiple sources, including SAMHSA and the Department of Health and Human Services, which are freely available. The course begins with a definition of ethics and why staff training in ethics is essential. Next, it reviews and discusses the five general principles that provide a basis to explore ethical concerns, such as justice, autonomy, and beneficence. The course covers a step-by-step model for ethical decision-making and reviews relevant laws and regulations. Confidentiality and both required and allowable disclosures are also examined. The course concludes with a review of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2: Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records and HIPAA. This course on ethics is designed for substance abuse counselors and other clinicians such as social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists who work in substance abuse or with clients who have SUD. In addition, this course is developed for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who work with clients who have substance abuse issues and need continuing education in ethics. Authors: Excerpted by T DiDona from SAMHSA and other source materials Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding ethics. Specifically, a professional will be able to: List the general ethical principles that provide a basis for ethical concerns. Summarize a step-by-step model for ethical decision-making. Identify federal laws related to confidentiality. Describe key elements of Title 42 Part 2 and how it impacts Substance Use Disorder patient records. Identify resources for ethical decision-making. Citation: Excerpted by T DiDona, (2021) from source materials from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and US Department of Health and Human Services Department of Civil Rights. Ethics for Substance Abuse Counselors.