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

You run into the husband of a deceased former patient who asks about his wife’s treatment plans. What should you do?

1. Discuss her case with him

2. Politely refuse to discuss it

3. Share all treatment details

4. Refer him to her family

The correct answer is: Politely refuse to discuss it

When encountering the husband of a deceased former patient who inquires about his wife's treatment plans, the appropriate response is to politely refuse to discuss it. This aligns with the ethical and legal obligations surrounding patient confidentiality. Healthcare professionals, including addiction counselors, are required to protect a client's privacy even after their death. This means that treatment details cannot be shared with anyone who was not directly involved in the treatment process, unless explicit permission was given by the patient while they were alive. In many cases, even family members do not have the right to access a deceased patient's health records or treatment history. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial not only to uphold professional ethics but also to foster trust with clients during their treatment. Breaching this confidentiality, even with good intentions or in response to a request from a family member, can have serious legal and ethical repercussions. Therefore, the correct action is to respectfully decline to share any information about the deceased and to express condolences, while emphasizing the importance of protecting patient privacy.