Ethics is essential in Peer Recovery Support, and the lines are not as black and white as the boundaries in clinical roles – which have a clearly defined code of ethics. Please take a glance at the National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist Code of Ethics I found on the NAADAC website.
The NAADAC/NCC AP National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Code of Ethics outlines basic values and principles of peer recovery support practice. This Code serves as a guide for – responsibility and ethical standards for NCC AP National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists. Peer Recovery Support Specialists have a responsibility to help persons in recovery achieve their personal recovery goals by promoting self-determination, personal responsibility, and the empowerment inherent in self-directed recovery. Peer Recovery Support Specialists shall maintain high standards of personal conduct, and conduct themselves in a manner that supports their own recovery. Peer Recovery Support Specialists shall serve as advocates for the people they serve. Peer Recovery Support Specialists shall not perform services outside of the boundaries and scope of their expertise, shall be aware of the limits of their training and capabilities, and shall collaborate with other professionals and Recovery Support Specialists to best meet the needs of the person(s) served. Peer Recovery Support Specialists shall preserve an objective and ethical relationship at all times. This credential does not endorse, suggest or intent that a Peer Recovery Support Specialist will serve independently. The Peer Recovery Support Specialist shall only work under supervision.
As a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, I will:
1. Agree to maintain a minimum of two (2) clinical supervision sessions per month totally at least 2 hours of documented clinical supervision.
2. Accurately identify my qualifications, expertise, and certifications to all whom I serve and to the public.
3. Conduct myself in accordance with the NCC AP NCPRSS Code of Ethics.
4. Make public statements or comments that are true and reflect current and accurate information.
5. Remain free from any substances that affect my ability and capacity to perform my duties as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist.
6. Recognize personal issues, behaviors, or conditions that may impact my performance as a NCPRSS.
7. Maintain regular supervision and ongoing support so I have a person with whom I can address challenging personal issues, behaviors, or conditions that may negatively effect my own recovery. I understand that misconduct may result in the suspension of my credentials.
8. Respect and acknowledge the professional efforts and contributions of others and not declare or imply credit as my own. If involved in research, I shall give credit to those who contribute to the research.
9. Maintain required documentation for and in all client records as required by my agency or the Federal requirements making certain that records are documented honestly and stored securely. Agency disposal of records policies shall be adhered to.
10. Protect the privacy and confidentiality of persons served in adherence with Federal Confidentiality, HIPAA laws, local jurisdiction and state laws and regulations. This includes electronic privacy standards (Social Media, Texting, Video Conferencing etc).
11. Use client contact information in accordance with agency policy.
12. Not to create my own private practice.
Conflicts of Interest:
As a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, I will:
13. Reveal any perceived conflict of interest immediately to my professional supervisor and remove myself from the peer recovery support specialist relationship as required.
14. Disclose any existing or pre-existing professional, social, or business relationships with person(s) served. I shall determine, in consultation with my professional supervisor, whether existing or pre-existing relationships interfere with my ability to provide peer support services person(s) served.
15. Inform clients of costs of services as established by the agency for which I am employed and not charge person served beyond fees established.
16. I will not sponsor individuals with whom I have previously served or currently serve as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist.
Support Specialist/Client Relationship:
As a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, I will:
17. Clearly explain my role and responsibilities to those serve.
18. Terminate the relationship with a person(s) served when services appear no longer of benefit and to respect the rights of the person served to terminate services at his/her request.
19. Request a change in my role as a NCPRSS with a person being served if the person served requests a change.
20. Not engage in sexual activities or personal relationships with persons served in my role as a NCPRSS, or members of the immediate family of person(s) served.
21. Set clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries with all persons served.
22. If at any point I feel I am unable to meet any of these requirements, I will immediately cease performance as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist and seek professional assistance.
What do you think? I welcome your comments to gingerross23@gmail.com
Download a copy here https://www.naadac.org/ncprss-code-of-ethics
