Code of Ethics

Mississippi Ethical Standards of Certified Addiction Professionals for Prevention Specialists

Principle 1: Non-Discrimination

The counselor shall not discriminate against clients or professionals based on race, religion, age, gender, disability, national ancestry, sexual orientation, or economic condition.

  • The Associate Prevention Specialist, Certified Prevention Specialist, and Certified Prevention Manager (APS/CPS/CPM) must not discriminate against service recipients, colleagues, or the public based on race, religion, age, gender, national ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, political beliefs, HIV/AIDS status, socioeconomic condition, or disability.
  • APS/CPS/CPMs should actively broaden their understanding and acceptance of cultural and individual differences to deliver services and provide information sensitively.

Principle 2: Personal Responsibility

  • APS/CPS/CPMs shall exercise competent professional judgment when interacting with service recipients, colleagues, or the public, always prioritizing their best interests.
  • They are responsible for applying prevention concepts to public and professional relationships.

Principle 3: Professional Competence

APS/CPS/CPMs shall provide competent, professional service consistent with Mississippi standards, which requires:

  • Thorough knowledge of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse prevention.
  • Proficiency in presentation and education techniques.
  • Thorough preparation to ensure high-quality service.
  • Commitment to maintaining current and relevant knowledge through ongoing professional education.

They must:

  • Demonstrate competence, recognize personal limitations, and refrain from offering services beyond their skill or training level.
  • Comply with all laws, codes, rules, and regulations governing professional conduct in substance abuse prevention.

Principle 4: Professional Standards

APS/CPS/CPMs shall maintain the highest professional standards by:

  • Accurately representing their professional knowledge, qualifications, and affiliations.
  • Avoiding relationships or actions that may mislead or misrepresent the public.
  • Not misrepresenting their certification or qualifications to the Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals (MAAP).
  • Ensuring materials and products associated with their work are factual and professionally presented.
  • Addressing the impact of substance use on professional performance and seeking treatment when needed or supporting colleagues in need.
  • Providing accurate, documented information to recipients, acknowledging sources, and respecting the work of others.

Principle 5: Public Statements

  • APS/CPS/CPMs must respect the limits of current knowledge when making public statements about the effectiveness of prevention initiatives, programs, or research.
  • Trainers must clarify the qualifications required for implementing materials, programs, or techniques presented.

Principle 6: Material Credit

  • APS/CPS/CPMs who create professional materials must acknowledge all sources and techniques used.
  • Using copyrighted materials without authorization is both unethical and illegal.

Principle 7: Recipient Welfare

APS/CPS/CPMs shall maintain objectivity, integrity, and professionalism by:

  • Delivering prevention services in a supportive environment.
  • Protecting the welfare and best interests of recipients and the public.
  • Avoiding exploitation of service recipients, whether sexual, financial, or emotional, and making appropriate referrals as needed.
  • Respecting the civil and legal rights of recipients.

Principle 8: Confidentiality
 

APS/CPS/CPMs must adhere to all relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and agency policies regarding confidentiality, including:

  • Notification of recipient rights.
  • Reporting child abuse, neglect, or misconduct.
  • Safeguarding confidential information obtained during service delivery.

Principle 9: Professional Integrity
 

APS/CPS/CPMs shall:

  • Never knowingly make false statements to licensing or certification authorities.
  • Address potential unethical behavior among colleagues directly to encourage corrective action.
  • Report professional conduct violations when necessary.
  • Practice with integrity, accommodating honest errors and differences of opinion while rejecting deceit or unethical practices.
  • Use only the name under which their certification is held.

Principle 10: Remuneration
 

  • Financial arrangements must prioritize the interests of recipients, colleagues, and the public.
  • APS/CPS/CPMs shall not accept or offer commissions, rebates, or other payments for referrals.
  • They must not exploit trust or relationships with recipients for personal or organizational gain.

Principle 11: Societal Obligations

APS/CPS/CPMs shall:

  • Advocate for consistent health promotion and awareness messages.
  • Provide accurate, state-of-the-art prevention information.
  • Support public policies that enhance community health and well-being.

Principle 12: Professional Obligations

APS/CPS/CPMs must strive to uphold the integrity of certification within Mississippi, nationally and internationally, advancing the prevention profession.