ACA Code of Ethics II: Documentation, Technology,
Supervision, Licensure & Ethical Practice ACA Code of
Ethics Purpose|Verified Questions with A+ Graded
Rationales Latest Updated 2026
1. The Code sets forth the ethical obligations of ACA members and provides guidance intended
to inform the ethical
practice of professional counselors.
2. The Code identifies ethical considerations relevant to professional counselors and counselors-
in-training.
3. The Code enables the association to clarify for current and prospective members, and for
those served by members,
the nature of the ethical responsibilities held in common by its members.
4. The Code serves as an ethical guide designed to assist members in constructing a course of
action that best serves
those utilizing counseling services and establishes expectations of conduct with a primary
emphasis on the role of
the professional counselor.
5. The Code helps to support the mission of ACA.
6. The standards contained in this Code serve as the basis for processing inquiries and ethics
complaints
concerning ACA members.
Purpose of clinical case notes
Counselors create and maintain records and documentation necessary for rendering
professional services.
Counseling services over the Internet
Counselors take precautions to ensure
the confidentiality of all information
transmitted through the use of any
medium
Online Supervision
,When using technology in supervision, counselor supervisors are competent in the use of those
technologies. Supervisors take the necessary precautions to protect the confidentiality of all
information transmitted through any electronic means.
Students and malpractice
Documentation and Case Records
Counselors ensure that records and documentation kept in any medium are secure and that
only authorized persons have access to them.
Licensing of professional counselors
(MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors)
Requires 3500 hours. Should have a Master's Degree in Counseling
Children and research study participation
When a research participant is not
capable of giving informed consent,
counselors provide an appropriate
explanation to, obtain agreement for
participation from, and obtain the appropriate
consent of a legally authorized
person.
Precautions to avoid injury in research
Counselors who conduct research are responsible for their participants welfare throughout the
research process and should take reasonable precautions to avoid causing emotional, physical,
or social harm to participants.
consent; assent
Minors and incapacitated adults are unable to give ___________, but can give their ______.
Counselor should include the person on decision making when appropriate and recognize need
to balance client's rights and rights of parent or guardian.
consent
Obtain written ________ from those being evaluated or their legal representative, unless court
ordered.
Assent
, to demonstrate agreement when a person is otherwise not capable or competent to give formal
consent (e.g., informed consent) to a counseling service or plan.
Clinical supervision
Prior to offering supervision services,
counselors are trained in supervision
methods and techniques. Counselors
who offer supervision services regularly
pursue continuing education activities,
including both counseling and supervision
topics and skills.
Supervisors are responsible for incorporating
into their supervision the
principles of informed consent and
participation. Supervisors inform supervisees
of the policies and procedures
to which supervisors are to adhere and
the mechanisms for due process appeal
of individual supervisor actions. The
issues unique to the use of distance
supervision are to be included in the
documentation as necessary.
Privileged communication
Court-Ordered Disclosure
Obtain written consent from clients and take steps to prohibit/limit disclosure because of
potential harm to client or counseling relationship when court ordered to provide
confidential/privileged information.
informed consent
Clients have the freedom to choose
whether to enter into or remain in
a counseling relationship and need
adequate information about the
counseling process and the counselor.
Counselors have an obligation to review
in writing and verbally with clients
Supervision, Licensure & Ethical Practice ACA Code of
Ethics Purpose|Verified Questions with A+ Graded
Rationales Latest Updated 2026
1. The Code sets forth the ethical obligations of ACA members and provides guidance intended
to inform the ethical
practice of professional counselors.
2. The Code identifies ethical considerations relevant to professional counselors and counselors-
in-training.
3. The Code enables the association to clarify for current and prospective members, and for
those served by members,
the nature of the ethical responsibilities held in common by its members.
4. The Code serves as an ethical guide designed to assist members in constructing a course of
action that best serves
those utilizing counseling services and establishes expectations of conduct with a primary
emphasis on the role of
the professional counselor.
5. The Code helps to support the mission of ACA.
6. The standards contained in this Code serve as the basis for processing inquiries and ethics
complaints
concerning ACA members.
Purpose of clinical case notes
Counselors create and maintain records and documentation necessary for rendering
professional services.
Counseling services over the Internet
Counselors take precautions to ensure
the confidentiality of all information
transmitted through the use of any
medium
Online Supervision
,When using technology in supervision, counselor supervisors are competent in the use of those
technologies. Supervisors take the necessary precautions to protect the confidentiality of all
information transmitted through any electronic means.
Students and malpractice
Documentation and Case Records
Counselors ensure that records and documentation kept in any medium are secure and that
only authorized persons have access to them.
Licensing of professional counselors
(MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors)
Requires 3500 hours. Should have a Master's Degree in Counseling
Children and research study participation
When a research participant is not
capable of giving informed consent,
counselors provide an appropriate
explanation to, obtain agreement for
participation from, and obtain the appropriate
consent of a legally authorized
person.
Precautions to avoid injury in research
Counselors who conduct research are responsible for their participants welfare throughout the
research process and should take reasonable precautions to avoid causing emotional, physical,
or social harm to participants.
consent; assent
Minors and incapacitated adults are unable to give ___________, but can give their ______.
Counselor should include the person on decision making when appropriate and recognize need
to balance client's rights and rights of parent or guardian.
consent
Obtain written ________ from those being evaluated or their legal representative, unless court
ordered.
Assent
, to demonstrate agreement when a person is otherwise not capable or competent to give formal
consent (e.g., informed consent) to a counseling service or plan.
Clinical supervision
Prior to offering supervision services,
counselors are trained in supervision
methods and techniques. Counselors
who offer supervision services regularly
pursue continuing education activities,
including both counseling and supervision
topics and skills.
Supervisors are responsible for incorporating
into their supervision the
principles of informed consent and
participation. Supervisors inform supervisees
of the policies and procedures
to which supervisors are to adhere and
the mechanisms for due process appeal
of individual supervisor actions. The
issues unique to the use of distance
supervision are to be included in the
documentation as necessary.
Privileged communication
Court-Ordered Disclosure
Obtain written consent from clients and take steps to prohibit/limit disclosure because of
potential harm to client or counseling relationship when court ordered to provide
confidential/privileged information.
informed consent
Clients have the freedom to choose
whether to enter into or remain in
a counseling relationship and need
adequate information about the
counseling process and the counselor.
Counselors have an obligation to review
in writing and verbally with clients
