Essay on Privacy, Ethics, & Data Protection: Seeking & Sharing Sensitive Information

Introduction

Privacy is an essential aspect of ethics. Confidential information is vital in protecting the sensitive data of an individual. The moral issue analyzed is the concept of seeking information and using the data for personal or business use. Information on clinical aspects should not be requested when an individual is not a minor and can make their own decisions. However, sharing information with a therapist from another therapy is vital to help the individual in making informed decisions and outlining necessary measures for effective practices. Reporting a colleague's behavior is essential if it is unethical to solve future problems. Information is an ethical issue when it is used for personal gain and other unintended uses without the knowledge of the specific person.

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Which state laws apply to this scenario? Why are these laws applicable?

The Illinois state laws on the personal information protection act ensure that individual information is protected, and there is a remedy of violation when appropriate information is sought. The act of personal data requires that organizations implement adequate security protocols and measures in safeguarding data and enabling unauthorized access to private and confidential data, use, and disclosure (Arthur, 2018). Illinois state laws have limited practices when it comes to data privacy and provides efficient remedies in this information. The departments that protect the information in the nation are the identity protection act and the personal information protection act. In cases of responding to trends and public awareness, then the state ensures that it improves the data breach protocols and notification laws. The laws protect an individual from being misused and their personal information. It also provides that firms do inform their respective individuals in the case their communication and data channels are breached.

Which ACA ethical codes apply to this scenario? Why are these codes applicable?

The codes of ethics are integrity, objectivity, competence, confidentiality, and enhanced behavior. The ethical codes that are applicable in this scenario are having integrity and professional conduct where an individual exhibit correct trait and applies competency. Integrity is vital in ensuring that individuals are transparent in their communication and that any arising information is stated. ACA ethical codes are essential in creating an ethical guide towards helping every individual in taking a particular course of action. It promotes counseling relationship, professional responsibility, and emphasizes on individual relationships with colleagues.

In the case of counseling and therapy sessions, the ACA code of ethics, section A ensures that the relationship and information shared are protected by law and cannot be used for personal or business gains (Kaplan et al., 2017). Moreover, in creating relationships with colleagues and professional responsibility, then each individual should enhance integrity and competence in the process.

The ACA codes of ethics are applicable and essential in promoting dignity protection of every individual. It helps counselors to analyze the best strategies to implement on providing ethical standards in the issue of conflict. The ACA Code of ethics aims at promoting human development, valuing diversity, enhancing social justice, safeguarding integrity measures, and acting ethically and competently.

What is the proper ethical response for the counselor in this situation?

In the issue of information and privacy, it is crucial to consider the applicable laws that protect and uphold all personal and business data. The counselor in this situation should ensure that the information is accurate and relevant in the case and ensure objectivity and competence in analyzing possible solutions to the problem. There are laws and consequences for taking specific actions. For instance, on a colleague's behavior, measures can be gained through undermining the rights of a minor. Some effective plans and strategies solve every problem arising in a business environment. Through the code of ethics, then an ethical environment can be experienced through behaving appropriately. Counselors are supposed to create lasting relationships, develop informed consent from members, respect information of each individual, emphasize counseling relationships, and enhance a client's culture and beliefs.

*You will complete one worksheet that has the information for all scenarios -- so just one worksheet submitted, not three worksheets. You will use the three scenarios to answer the one worksheet. You may use your state*

References

Arthur, N. (2018). Infusing Culture and Social Justice in Ethical Practices with All Clients. In Counselling in Cultural Contexts (pp. 3-28). Springer, Cham. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-00090-5_1

Kaplan, D. M., Francis, P. C., Hermann, M. A., Baca, J. V., Goodnough, G. E., Hodges, S., ... & Wade, M. E. (2017). New concepts in the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics. Journal of Counseling & Development, 95(1), 110-120. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcad.12122