National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Under which condition can a client waive privilege regarding confidential information?

1. When the counselor refuses to keep the information confidential

2. When a third person has been made privy to the information

3. When the counselor chooses to disclose the information without consent

4. When the client is uninformed about their rights

The correct answer is: When a third person has been made privy to the information

The correct choice highlights a key principle of confidentiality in the counseling relationship. A client can waive their privilege regarding confidential information when a third party has been made privy to that information. This means that if confidential information is shared with someone outside the counselor-client relationship, it may no longer be considered confidential or protected under privilege. This principle is grounded in the understanding that confidentiality relies, in part, on the exclusivity of the information shared. If a third party is aware of the information, it can be inferred that the client has implicitly waived their right to keep that information confidential, at least in relation to that specific disclosure. This underscores the importance of counselors ensuring that clients understand the boundaries of confidentiality and the implications of sharing their information with others. The other options present scenarios where privilege is not waived appropriately. For instance, a counselor refusing to keep information confidential does not in itself allow a client to waive privilege, as the counselor's duty to confidentiality still applies until disclosure is required by law or consent is given. Similarly, if a counselor chooses to disclose information without consent or if the client is unaware of their rights, these circumstances do not constitute a valid waiver of confidentiality. Understanding the nuances of how privilege can be waived is crucial in maintaining ethical standards