c).
AAPC Code of Ethics is shorter compared to ACA's, centering more on specific issues such as confidentiality and professional practices, among others. Identified as Principle IV in the AAPC code of ethics, Confidentiality is synonymously identified as 'respect for the integrity and protection of the welfare' of its clients, a claim that is similar to ACA's stance on confidentiality. ACA and AAPC discussed the issue of confidentiality similarly, although AAPC cites more specific instances in which confidentiality can be revoked. It states under Principle IV-F that AAPC do not use these standards of confidentiality to avoid intervention when it is necessary, e.g., when there is evidence of abuse of minors, the elderly, the disabled, the physically or mentally incompetent.
This passage is supported by AAPC's assertion that they must, first and foremost, ensure that their client's dignity and welfare are respected and protected, respectively. This means that if specific ethical standards regarding confidentiality causes detriment on the client's dignity and welfare, then confidentiality must be revoked despite the sensitivity of the client's case.
The organization also take very specific measures to ensure that indeed, confidentiality would be respected and observed even under circumstances when AAPC undergoes "transfer of a pastoral counseling practice or the sale of real, personal, tangible or intangible property or assets used in such practice" (Principle II-G). It is AAPC's responsibility to the community to make sure that the trust given to it is duly deserved, and this would be manifested by maintaining its professional image as an organization that does not only provide counseling services, but also as an organization that handles sensitive issues and information concerning the people's lives.
As stated earlier, it is the AACC that has the most conservative stance in applying ethical standards to its counseling practices and activities. The organization does not promote 'harboring' clients involved (directly or indirectly) in "harmful actions," such as substance...
Confidentiality (ES1-461) is applied in today's information technology-driven economy: client identity and information must be preserved electronically (using password entry) by authorized individuals associated with the organization, thus preventing the dissemination of information through electronic means (e.g., e-mail, fax, and other forms of computerized transfer of information).
AACC also has a surprisingly strong stance against
disclosure of client identity and information even when it is mandated by the
law (ES1-470). As it explicated in its code of ethics, the organization believes that confidentiality must be maintained regardless of any requests from the
government, because Though federal and state laws exist to protect client privacy, these laws are weak, are routinely violated at many levels, and the record of
privacy right
enforcement is dismal. Accordingly, Christian counselors are called to wisely protect and assertively advocate for
privacy protection on behalf of our clients against the pervasive intrusion
Evidently, the passage mirrors AACC's staunch conservative stance concerning the preservation of client and information confidentiality.
Related Links:
Code of Ethics of American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org
Code of Ethics of American Association of Pastoral Counselors: http://www.aapc.org
Code of Ethics of American Association of Christian Counselors: http://www.aacc.net
