Promises of confidentiality end upon referral to the division for formal action. When does confidentiality terminate under this standard?

• A. Promises of confidentiality end upon referral to the division for formal action.
• B. Confidentiality lasts indefinitely regardless of action.
• C. Confidentiality ends after the client completes treatment.
• D. Confidentiality ends when a supervisor approves.

Answer: (A)

In this standard, confidentiality is expected to be maintained with clients, but it ends when a referral to the division for formal action occurs. That trigger allows the regulatory body to access the information needed to investigate and pursue disciplinary steps. The purpose is to ensure accountability and due process for the professional, while still recognizing the general duty to protect client privacy outside of an active formal action. The other scenarios—confidentiality lasting indefinitely, ending after treatment completion, or ending only when a supervisor approves—do not align with the regulatory mechanism that activates disclosure for formal review.