Which statement is a key ethical consideration when handling client data?

• A. Sharing data with other professionals without consent
• B. Protecting confidentiality
• C. Storing data in unencrypted form with no access control
• D. Posting case details publicly

Answer: (B)

Protecting confidentiality is the key ethical consideration when handling client data. Client information is sensitive, and handling it with discretion preserves privacy, maintains trust, and meets legal and professional obligations. In practice, this means sharing information only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know and only with proper consent, storing records securely with appropriate protections (like encryption and access controls), and using de-identified data when possible for supervision or training. Breaching confidentiality by sharing data without consent, leaving data unprotected, or posting case details publicly undermines trust, can violate privacy laws, and risks harm to the client. So, safeguarding confidentiality best captures the ethical responsibility in handling client data.