Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Practice Exam

How does the CPS Code of Ethics emphasize confidentiality?

1. By encouraging open discussion about clients

2. By restricting access to client records

3. By promoting shared experiences between clients

4. By requiring public reports

The correct answer is: By restricting access to client records

The CPS Code of Ethics emphasizes confidentiality by restricting access to client records. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in peer support and mental health fields, as it fosters a sense of safety and trust between the client and the peer specialist. By ensuring that client information is kept private and only accessible to authorized individuals, the Code protects clients' personal information, which is crucial for building rapport and encouraging openness in the therapeutic relationship. Maintaining strict access controls over client records not only demonstrates respect for clients' privacy but also aligns with ethical and legal standards that govern mental health practices. This approach reassures clients that their disclosures will not be shared without their consent, allowing them to engage more fully in the peer support process. In contrast, options like encouraging open discussion or promoting shared experiences, while valuable in certain contexts, do not directly address the specific aspect of maintaining client confidentiality as outlined in the Code of Ethics. Similarly, requiring public reports would compromise confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive information to the public.