California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

What should Eli do if one of his interns is also his client after relocating his practice?

1. Decline to supervise him

2. Ask the client to choose between a supervisor or a therapist

3. Terminate therapy since it conflicts with his role as a supervisor

4. Proceed as a supervisor since this is an unavoidable dual relationship

The correct answer is: Decline to supervise him

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding conflicts of interest. In this scenario, if Eli has an intern who is also his client, accepting that dual relationship as a supervisor could compromise the therapeutic process and create ethical dilemmas. By declining to supervise the intern, Eli prioritizes the integrity of the therapeutic relationship, ensuring that the intern receives unbiased, non-conflicted guidance in their professional development. It reflects an understanding of the ethical guidelines that discourage dual relationships in order to protect both the client and the supervisor from potential exploitation or dual loyalties. Other options suggest ways to manage the dual relationship, but they don't uphold the principle of clear professional boundaries as effectively as the notion of declining supervision. For instance, asking the client to choose between roles or terminating therapy could lead to further complications and potentially distress for the intern, while proceeding with supervision could jeopardize both the client's welfare and Eli's professional ethics. Thus, the choice to decline supervision stands as the most principled and ethical response in this situation.