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Which of the following is an appropriate reason for a school counselor to disclose information that a student has shared?

A. The student has a serious contagious disease, but no one is at risk of contracting the disease.
B. A concerned teacher asks about the welfare of the student.
C. The counselor is assisting the student in gaining employment.
D. The counselor is assisting in the prevention of imminent danger to the student or to others.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The proper reason for a school counselor to disclose information shared by a student is if it involves preventing imminent danger to the student or to others. Privacy and confidentiality in healthcare, especially for minors, require balancing individual rights with the need to protect against harm, and this is an instance where safety can override confidentiality.

Step-by-step explanation:

An appropriate reason for a school counselor to disclose information that a student has shared is when the counselor is assisting in the prevention of imminent danger to the student or to others. This is aligned with ethical practices and legal requirements that prioritize safety and wellbeing over confidentiality in cases where serious harm may occur. It also pertains to common mandates for professionals who work with minors, where they have a duty to report if they believe a child is at risk of harm.

Issues related to patient privacy and the confidentiality of minors are complex and multifaceted, requiring healthcare professionals and counselors to balance the rights of the adolescent for privacy with the potential need to protect the individual or others from harm. The matter often involves navigating ethical dilemmas, such as when to prioritize the right to privacy over the need to inform others who might be at risk, which typically necessitates careful consideration of legal and ethical guidelines.

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