Ethical Boundaries: Are You Crossing Ethical Boundary?

As a recovery support professional, if you are concerned whether you are crossing ethical boundary, ask yourself:

• Is this in my resident’s best interests?
• Whose needs are being served?
• Will this have an impact on the service I am delivering?
• Should I consult with my supervisor or a colleague?
• How might this be viewed by the resident’s family?
• How would I feel telling my supervisor or a colleague about this?
• Am I treating this resident differently from how I treat other residents, as if this resident is “special?”
• Am I taking advantage of this resident?
• Will I be comfortable documenting my actions or behavior in the resident’s file?
• Am I acting in accordance with the code of conduct, values and ethical standards of my organization?

Reference: College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Professional Boundaries in Health-Care Relationships. Toronto: College of Psychologists of Ontario, The Bulletin, Vol 25, No 1, July  1998.