By what point must credential holders file their agreement to participate in the procedure?

• A. After the first treatment session
• B. At the end of the program
• C. Upon relapse
• D. Before the first treatment session begins

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that informed consent and written agreement to participate must be established before any treatment starts. This ensures the client understands what will be done, why it’s being done, the potential risks and benefits, and any alternatives, providing a documented record that they agreed to participate. Filing this agreement prior to the first treatment session protects the client’s autonomy and helps the practitioner meet ethical and regulatory expectations from the outset. Waiting until after treatment has begun, at the end of a program, or only upon relapse would leave consent unaddressed at the critical moment when decisions about care are first being made and could create ethical or legal concerns.