The ethical standard for 'practicing within the limits of competence' derives from the ethical principle of nonmaleficence.

The ethical standard for 'practicing within the limits of competence' derives from the ethical principle of nonmaleficence.

• A. It depends
• B. True
• C. Not specified
• D. False

Answer: (B)

Not providing care beyond what you’re qualified to deliver is about preventing harm to clients. That obligation comes from nonmaleficence—the principle of not causing harm. In ethical codes, counselors are required to stay within their training, seek supervision, pursue ongoing education, and refer when needed, all to avoid harming clients by offering inappropriate or unsafe services. So this statement is true because nonmaleficence underpins the standard to practice within one’s competence. While beneficence (promoting welfare) is also involved in ethical practice, the explicit derivation most often cited is nonmaleficence. Choices like “it depends,” “not specified,” or “false” don’t fit because the rule is a clear protection against harm, not a matter of conditional or incorrect.

Not providing care beyond what you’re qualified to deliver is about preventing harm to clients. That obligation comes from nonmaleficence—the principle of not causing harm. In ethical codes, counselors are required to stay within their training, seek supervision, pursue ongoing education, and refer when needed, all to avoid harming clients by offering inappropriate or unsafe services. So this statement is true because nonmaleficence underpins the standard to practice within one’s competence. While beneficence (promoting welfare) is also involved in ethical practice, the explicit derivation most often cited is nonmaleficence. Choices like “it depends,” “not specified,” or “false” don’t fit because the rule is a clear protection against harm, not a matter of conditional or incorrect.