The ACA 2014 Code of Ethics and Technology: New Solutions to Emerging Problems

The ACA 2014 Code of Ethics addresses counselors’ responsibilities to changing technology and the obligation to keep client data confidential. For counselors who work in non-clinical settings, lack of access to HIPAA-compliant tools can present a bewildering set of choices. This document describes state-of-the-art tools that can be used by counselors in any setting to protect the integrity of face- to-face counseling sessions, confidentially maintain sole-possession notes, and practice discretion when searching the Internet for information resources pertaining to client’s needs. Recommendations for ongoing training and awareness are presented.