Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What should the next step be if a professional continues to violate their code of ethics?

1. Distance yourself from this individual

2. Report to the DPR

3. Report to the professional organization's ethics committee

4. Give the professional a second warning

The correct answer is: Report to the professional organization's ethics committee

When a professional repeatedly violates their code of ethics, the most responsible action is to report the behavior to the professional organization's ethics committee. This committee is specifically designed to handle ethical breaches within the organization and has the authority to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary actions. Reporting to the ethics committee helps ensure that the professional's actions are reviewed objectively by peers who are familiar with the standards of practice in the field. Taking this action is crucial because it not only addresses the potential harm caused by the unethical behavior but also upholds the integrity of the profession as a whole. These committees are equipped to provide oversight and maintain the ethical standards that are fundamental to effective practice, ensuring that clients, colleagues, and the broader community are protected from malpractice. In contrast, distancing oneself from the individual, merely reporting to regulatory bodies without the context of ethical guidelines, or giving a second warning do not adequately address the issue at an organizational level or provide for accountability. Each of those options lacks the systematic approach required to manage serious ethical violations in a professional setting.