E20: Ethics of Disclosure

Close-up of a hand signing a formal document with a fountain pen, indicating agreement.

Course Overview

CE Hours

3 CE Credits

Course Description

Ethics of Disclosure examines the ethical dimensions of what individuals, professionals, and organizations choose to share or withhold. This course explores the relationship between disclosure, secrecy, and privacy across administrative, counseling, medical, and social contexts. Topics include the classification of information, the forces that limit or drive disclosure, organizational secrecy laws, counseling confidentiality, medical disclosure dilemmas including HIV status, social privacy rights, and the foundational principles of an ethics of disclosure. Learners will develop a practical understanding of how to make ethical disclosure decisions in professional settings.

Course Learning Objectives

the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  1. Define disclosure and explain its relationship to secrecy and privacy
  2. Classify information into the three levels of disclosure — open, judicious, and secret — and explain when each applies
  3. Identify the three threats that limit disclosure and the forces that drive or restrain it
  4. Describe the four areas of legitimate administrative secrecy and explain the role of sunshine laws in organizational transparency
  5. Explain the ethical basis of confidentiality in the counseling relationship and identify exceptions to the confidentiality contract
  6. Describe the ethical arguments for and against disclosure of HIV status by health care professionals
  7. Explain the role of privacy rights and freedom of information laws in shaping social disclosure practices
  8. Apply the five general principles of the ethics of disclosure to professional decision-making situations

Course Format and Faculty

Course Format:

Online linked resources and lectures available anytime, 24/7. Includes one multiple-choice exam taken at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Upon passing, learners may print their certificate immediately.

Course Developers and Instructors:

R. Klimes, PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins University) is a scholar and author in health-related research, health behaviors, ethics, end-of-life care, and overall wellness. He has written numerous research reports and books and has held academic and leadership roles in higher education and public health internationally.

Course Time:

Approximately 3 hours for online study, test taking, course evaluation feedback, and certificate printing.