Using the Revised CRCC Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors as a Tool in Resolving Ethical Issues

Abstract

The Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) directs CRCs to “apply appropriate decision-making models and skills to resolve dilemmas and act ethically” (Section M—Introduction). Other codes of ethics include similar verbiage, suggesting knowledge and application of the Code as a beginning step when using an ethical decision-making model. The updated “Resolving Ethical Dilemmas” section of the Code (now Section M) guides CRCs on using the Code as a tool when encountering ethical dilemmas. This article describes updates to Section M resulting from the Code revision process. Contemporary counseling ethical decision-making models are reviewed, and descriptions of Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) resources to assist with ethical decision-making are provided. In addition, an examination of the CRCC ethics committee’s process for addressing grievances and providing advisory opinions is outlined. In addition, this article provides a brief overview of how the committee relies on the Code overall, specifically Section M, to carry out its mission. Two case studies provide examples using the Code to examine a process for resolving ethical dilemmas.