Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Practice Exam

What principle emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy in the CPS Code of Ethics?

1. Respect for confidentiality

2. Self-determination for all

3. High standards of personal conduct

4. Advocate for least restrictive options

The correct answer is: Self-determination for all

The principle that emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy in the CPS Code of Ethics is self-determination for all. This principle underscores the belief that individuals have the right to make their own choices and decisions regarding their lives, including their recovery processes. Self-determination empowers individuals to take control of their situations, which is essential in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in their recovery journeys. By advocating for self-determination, Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) affirm the unique preferences, goals, and values of each person they support, reinforcing that every individual has the right to shape their path to wellness in a way that feels right for them. In contrast, while confidentiality and advocacy for least restrictive options are also important aspects of ethical practice, they focus more on privacy and minimizing coercion, respectively, rather than on the individual’s autonomy itself. High standards of personal conduct emphasize the expected behavior of the peer specialist in their professional role, but again do not directly address the principle of self-determination.