Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which of the following best describes the principle of nonmaleficence?

1. Promoting the well-being of clients

2. Avoiding actions that could harm clients

3. Being transparent and honest

4. Ensuring equitable treatment of all clients

The correct answer is: Avoiding actions that could harm clients

The principle of nonmaleficence is rooted in the idea of "do no harm." It emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that might cause harm to clients. In the context of rehabilitation counseling, this means that counselors must be vigilant in their practice to ensure that their interventions do not negatively impact the clients they serve. This principle is fundamental to ethical practice, as it prioritizes the safety and well-being of clients above other considerations. While promoting client well-being is a vital aspect of counseling, it falls under the principle of beneficence, which focuses on actions that contribute to the health and welfare of clients. Transparency and honesty relate more to ethical communication and trustworthiness, which are important but do not specifically address the issue of harm prevention. Lastly, ensuring equitable treatment aligns with principles of justice but is distinct from the focus of nonmaleficence.