Law and Ethics Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Counselors are required to provide a written Notice of Privacy Practices prior to beginning treatment, as mandated by HIPAA's privacy rule. This notice is crucial because it outlines the client's rights regarding their health information and how their information may be used and disclosed by the provider.

The Notice of Privacy Practices ensures that clients are informed about their privacy rights, including the authority to access their records, request amendments, and understand the circumstances under which their information may be shared. By providing this written notice, counselors comply with federal regulations that aim to protect patient confidentiality and privacy in healthcare settings.

The other options, while related to client rights and treatment agreements, do not meet the specific requirement set forth by HIPAA. A verbal agreement on privacy practices does not suffice since the law necessitates a written document. Similarly, a consent form for treatment is related to the client's approval of services but does not cover their privacy rights in detail. Lastly, providing information on all treatment therapies does not address privacy practices at all and is therefore not relevant to this requirement under HIPAA.