CDC-115 Issues in Ethics for Chemical Dependency Counselors

This course addresses ethics for chemical dependency counselors by presenting an overview of ethical thought and the basics of ethical decision making. The major focus will be professional ethics as they relate to chemical dependency counseling, and on the CASAC canon of ethics. The course will include the examination of the student's personal values and belief system as it relates to becoming an ethical and competent chemical dependency counselor. The course will also provide the OASAS requirement of two hours of Mandated Reporter training. Also addressed will be confidentiality and the HIPAA regulations. This course will include the examination of one’s personal values and belief system as it relates to becoming an ethical and competent chemical dependency counselor. This course fulfills the OASAS requirement for 45 hours of education in ethics.

Credits

3

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

0

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Social Science

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• No

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the CASAC Ethical Canon and its purpose, applying it to ethical dilemmas.
2. Successfully complete the Mandated Reporter training and demonstrate understanding of the concepts and procedures.
3. Explain the reasons behind the concepts of self-disclosure, boundaries, and dual relationships in the context of the therapeutic relationship.
4. Engage in self-examination and reflection focused on personal worldview and its influence on personal and professional perceptions and interactions.

View Course Outline

CDC 115: Issues in Ethics for Chemical Dependency Counselors

Department

Social Science

Course Description

This course addresses ethics for chemical dependency counselors by presenting an overview of ethical thought and the basics of ethical decision making. The major focus will be professional ethics as they relate to chemical dependency counseling, and on the CASAC canon of ethics. The course will include the examination of the student's personal values and belief system as it relates to becoming an ethical and competent chemical dependency counselor. The course will also provide the OASAS requirement of two hours of Mandated Reporter training. Also addressed will be confidentiality and the HIPAA regulations. This course will include the examination of one’s personal values and belief system as it relates to becoming an ethical and competent chemical dependency counselor. This course fulfills the OASAS requirement for 45 hours of education in ethics.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	0
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the CASAC Ethical Canon and its purpose, applying it to ethical dilemmas.
2. Successfully complete the Mandated Reporter training and demonstrate understanding of the concepts and procedures.
3. Explain the reasons behind the concepts of self-disclosure, boundaries, and dual relationships in the context of the therapeutic relationship.
4. Engage in self-examination and reflection focused on personal worldview and its influence on personal and professional perceptions and interactions.

Topic Outline

1. Ethics
   
   1. Morals
   2. Values
   3. Vocabulary
   4. Philosophy
2. Ethical decision making models
   1. Variety
   2. Uses
3. Worldviews, belief systems, personal ethics, biases, and respect for personal differences, and individual needs
4. Professionalism
5. Client rights
   1. Advocacy
   2. Grievance processes
6. Codes of conduct
   1. CASAC
   2. NASW
   3. APA
   4. Human Services
   5. Consequences of code violations
7. Mandated Reporter Certification 
8. Informed Consent
9. Confidentiality and consequences of violations
10. HIPAA
11. Ethical uses of technology
12. Competence
13. Wellness
14. Scope of Practice
15. Impaired Professionals
16. Boundaries
    1. Counselor-client relationship
    2. Dual Relationships
    3. Self-Disclosure
    4. Transference and Counter Transference
    5. Social Media
17. Professional Development
    1. As an ethical obligation
18. Supervision
    1. As an ethical obligation