Library · Domain 3. Treatment Planning & Continuity of Care · 3B. Continuity of Care
Task 3B.6
Planning for disruption of service
“Develop a plan for disruption of service” (NBCC, 2027 task 3B.6)
Counseling can be interrupted by a counselor's illness, death, leave, relocation or practice closure, by disasters, or by a client's change in circumstances. Planning ahead protects clients from abandonment and keeps records secure. The exam tests professional wills and continuity planning.
Key points
- The ACA Code of Ethics asks counselors to make arrangements for the continuation of client care in the event of their incapacitation, death or termination of practice; a professional will is a common tool.
- A professional will names a colleague or executor who can access the schedule and records, contact clients, provide referrals and secure or transfer files.
- Tell clients in informed consent how coverage works during absences and what happens if the counselor is suddenly unavailable.
- For planned absences, give advance notice, arrange coverage and crisis resources, and discuss the break in session.
- For practice closures or relocations, give enough notice to make referrals and to transfer records with consent.
- Keep contact information and records accessible to the designated person, with appropriate security.
- For emergencies such as natural disasters, have backup ways to contact clients and deliver services, such as telehealth.
In practice
A counselor in solo practice writes a professional will naming a trusted colleague, gives her secure access instructions to the electronic record and client contact list, and explains the arrangement in her informed consent form.
Before taking three months of parental leave, a counselor tells clients two months in advance, arranges for a colleague to see clients who want continued sessions, and plans a final session with each client about the break.
Check yourself
What is a professional will?
A plan naming a colleague or executor who will contact clients, provide referrals and manage records if the counselor dies or becomes incapacitated.
Why tell clients about coverage arrangements in informed consent?
So they know what to expect and how to get help if the counselor becomes unavailable.
How should a counselor prepare clients for a planned extended absence?
Give advance notice, arrange coverage and crisis resources, and discuss the absence in session.
NBCC's knowledge and skills for 3B. Continuity of Care
Knowledge of: Levels of care; Professional wills; Community partner/resources; Release of information (ROI) protocols and requirements; Wraparound services; Stages of change; Discharge practices; Proper termination protocols.
Skill in: Establishing contact with community resources; Applying relapse prevention strategies; Evaluating readiness for discharge.
A study guide written by ExamDragon from NBCC's published task; not NBCC material and not part of the exam.