12.1 NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics and Peer Standards

12.1 NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics and Peer Standards

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Why the Code Matters for the Credential

The Code is not a statute, but it is an enforceable condition of the credential:

• At application and renewal, you sign a statement that you have read and will adhere to the Code. The application warns that violations may result in disciplinary action, including loss of the credential.
• Jurisdiction: the NAADAC/NCC AP Ethics Committee has jurisdiction over complaints against anyone holding or applying for NCC AP certification (VIII-4). It can investigate, issue findings, and impose discipline (VIII-5), and respondents must cooperate (VIII-6, VIII-7).
• Listed violations (III-6) include failing to disclose a felony conviction to regulatory bodies when requested, practicing while impaired, continuing to use a credential after it lapses or is revoked, and failing to cooperate with the Ethics Committee. Sanctions can go up to permanent revocation of NCC AP certification.
• Code versus law: the Code's introduction (i-5) says that when the Code conflicts with a law or rule, professionals first consider the client's best interest and seek supervision or consultation; when the conflict cannot be resolved, they follow the law.

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From the 2016 NCPRSS Code to Principle X

NCC AP first published a separate NCPRSS Code of Ethics (2016) with a preamble and 22 numbered standards in three parts. The current Code places the peer standards in Principle X: National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS), inside a code with eleven principles:

Principle X's introduction says NCPRSSs follow the parts of the Code that correspond to their activities, plus the peer-specific standards below.

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Principle X: The Introduction

The introduction sets out the purpose and limits of the peer role:

• NCPRSSs help people pursuing recovery achieve their own recovery goals by promoting self-determination, personal responsibility, and the empowerment inherent in self-directed recovery.
• They maintain high standards of personal conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that supports their own recovery and wellbeing.
• They serve as advocates for the people they serve and actively protect the professional relationship and its boundaries.
• They do not perform services outside the boundaries and scope of their expertise, know the limits of their training, and collaborate with allied disciplines.
• The credential does not endorse, suggest, or intend independent practice; the NCPRSS works under supervision.
• Scope by lived experience: an NCPRSS who is the family member of a person in recovery works with family members; an NCPRSS who is the person in recovery works with persons in recovery.
• Misconduct may result in suspension of credentials.

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X-I Conduct (12 Standards)

X-II Conflicts of Interest (4 Standards)

1. Disclose any perceived conflict of interest immediately to the supervisor and remove themselves from the peer relationship as needed to end the conflict.
2. Disclose to the supervisor any existing or pre-existing professional, personal, familial, social, or business relationship with a person served, and decide with the supervisor whether it interferes with services.
3. Inform clients of the costs of service set by the organization and never charge beyond those fees.
4. Do not sponsor individuals they have previously served or currently serve.

X-III Support Specialist/Client Relationship (6 Standards)

1. Clearly explain their role and responsibilities.
2. Terminate the relationship when services no longer appear to benefit the person, and respect the person's right to end services.
3. When the person asks for a change, request a change in role with the supervisor.
4. Do not engage in sexual activities or personal relationships with persons served or with members of their immediate family.
5. Set clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries.
6. Immediately seek professional supervision and suspend services if they or their supervisor feel they cannot meet these requirements.

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Other Code Standards Peers Use Every Day

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Making Ethical Decisions

The Code's Nine Considerations (i-4)

The Code recommends weighing these considerations alongside its specific standards:

Many trainings also use the classic bioethics terms (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, fidelity). They overlap with the Code's list, but if an exam item asks what the NAADAC/NCC AP Code lists, use the nine considerations above.

The Code's Decision-Making Model (VIII-3)

The Code tells professionals to use, and document when appropriate, an ethical decision-making model that includes:

1. Supervision and/or consultation about the concern.
2. Consideration of relevant ethical standards, principles, and laws, including Principle X, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and state reporting laws.
3. Generation of potential courses of action.
4. Deliberation of the risks and benefits of each option, with a clear understanding of the facts.
5. Selection of an objective decision based on the circumstances and the welfare of everyone involved.
6. Reflection after acting, and re-direction if needed.

Two related standards complete the picture. When a colleague may have fallen short and no harm has occurred, try to resolve it informally, directly or through the supervisor (VIII-10). When harm or potential harm exists, report to the appropriate certifying or licensing authority after obtaining supervision or consultation, and document the decision (VIII-11). When unsure whether something violates the Code, consult and document the guidance (VIII-13).