Ethics, Boundaries & Communication

Lesson 10 of 11

Accepting, Declining, Ending & Referring

Professional responsibility includes deciding whether a request is appropriate and whether continued care remains safe and useful. A therapist may decline or end service for legitimate reasons such as scope, competence, safety, or a conflict, while following law and avoiding discrimination. Communicate respectfully, give reasonable notice when feasible, and offer referral information when appropriate. Do not abandon a client who needs urgent direction or whose care is governed by a formal duty.

Key points

• Accept clients only when the requested service is within scope, competence, and available resources.
• Clarify expectations and screen for concerns before agreeing to treatment.
• Decline a request outside scope and explain the limitation without making unsupported claims.
• Refer to an appropriate health professional when assessment or care exceeds your role.
• When terminating, provide clear notice, rationale at an appropriate level, and transition options.
• Use nondiscriminatory criteria and follow workplace and legal obligations.
• Document the decision, communication, and any referral or safety instructions.

Key terms

Scope of practice

Services a practitioner is legally and professionally permitted and prepared to provide.

Competence

The knowledge and skill needed to provide a particular service safely.

Referral

Directing a client to a more appropriate practitioner or service.

Termination of care

Ending a professional service relationship with appropriate communication and transition steps.

Abandonment

Improperly ending care without reasonable notice or appropriate transition where duties apply.

Non-discrimination

Providing or declining services without unlawful bias or prohibited unequal treatment.