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Professional Ethics and Law

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About the Course
In practicing a profession, three interrelated but distinct areas come into play: professional values, ethics, and the law. Although all three areas are related to one another, sometimes they can conflict with one another. Sometimes, also, values can conflict with other values, as can ethics. When ethics conflict, an ethical dilemma results. When professional values conflict with professional ethics, the organized and generally agreed-upon framework of an ethical code is vital. When ethics and the law collide, it may be necessary to consult the relevant professional organization. The American Medical Association, for example, has become involved when the law required that a physician be present at an execution. The AMA code of ethics explicitly forbids physicians from participating in capital punishment (Henry, 2018).

This intermediate course is intended to provide healthcare professionals such as social workers with an overview of how professional values, ethics, and the law come into play in mental health practice.  

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the importance of professional values and ethics in mental health practice
  • Identify the role and the impact of law in mental health practice
  • Recognize and distinguish between problematic and non-problematic boundary issues in mental health practice
  • Describe ways mental health practitioners can prevent unethical or illegal behaviors in daily practice
  • Identify elements and conditions of informed consent
  • Recall the basic requirements of HIPAA and the Privacy Rule as it relates to practice
  • Describe the impact of genetics and technology on mental health practice and the unique responsibilities that are included
  • Identify a protocol for ethical decision making

About the Author
Simona Pozzetto, LICSW was born and raised in Italy, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology. After moving to Massachusetts, Ms. Pozzetto achieved her MSW and completed the Certificate Program in Jewish Communal and Clinical Social Work at Simmons College and Hebrew College in 2003. Ms. Pozzetto worked in community mental health clinics and long-term care facilities as a clinical therapist, initially focusing on children and adolescents, then mostly on adults and the elderly. In 2014, Ms. Pozzetto obtained her LICSW, and after a few years in management, in 2020, opened a private practice. During her career, Ms. Pozzetto has specialized in trauma work, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, and end-of-life issues. In June 2021, Ms. Pozzetto obtained her Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) Certification. 

How to Receive Credit

  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Test questions link content to learning outcomes as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control the content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2022: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.