Ethics, Boundaries & Communication
Build trust through sound judgment, clear consent, and professional care.
Lesson 1 of 11
Ethical Principles & Codes
Ethics turns professional values into choices that protect clients and the public. Autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, veracity, and fidelity work together rather than as isolated rules. Professional codes offer guidance, but they do not replace applicable law or thoughtful judgment. When duties conflict, identify the people affected and prioritize safety, consent, and fairness.
Key points
- Respect autonomy by supporting informed, voluntary client choices.
- Beneficence means acting to promote the client's welfare.
- Nonmaleficence means avoiding preventable harm and unreasonable risk.
- Justice calls for fair treatment without discrimination or favoritism.
- Veracity is truthful communication; fidelity is honoring professional commitments.
- Use the code of your licensing or professional body as a standard, alongside local law.
Key terms
- Autonomy
- A person's right and capacity to make informed choices about their care.
- Beneficence
- The ethical duty to promote a client's welfare.
- Nonmaleficence
- The duty to avoid causing or needlessly risking harm.
- Justice
- Fair and nondiscriminatory treatment and allocation of care.
- Veracity
- Truthfulness in professional statements and records.
- Fidelity
- Reliability in honoring professional duties and agreements.
Memory tip
Remember A-B-N-J-V-F: Ask, Benefit, do No harm, be Just, be Veracious, be Faithful.
Clinical note
A professional code may be enforceable through membership or regulation; check which rules govern your jurisdiction.
Unit checkpoint
Lock it in: match the terms, then test yourself.