Refusing service to clients based on religion is discrimination under which standard?

• A. Discrimination under SPS 164
• B. Ethical decision
• C. Professional boundary violation
• D. Cultural competency issue

Answer: (A)

Refusing service to someone because of their religion is a violation of nondiscrimination rules that regulate substance abuse services. In Wisconsin, the standard that covers this is SPS 164, which prohibits denying treatment, access, or benefits to clients on the basis of protected characteristics like religion. This regulatory standard makes clear that treatment decisions must be based on professional criteria, not personal biases. While ethics, boundaries, and cultural competency are related areas in practice, the formal expectation here is compliance with SPS 164's nondiscrimination provision, not simply making an ethical judgment, avoiding a boundary violation, or addressing cultural differences.