Ethical Analysis Examples

Imagined scenario: An interpreter is interpreting for a psychiatric assessment for a Deaf man.  His family brought him down to the mental health facility because they were concerned about some of his recent behavior and none of them know sign language.  While waiting in the lobby, the interpreter and the client are having a discussion where he discloses how unhappy he is at home because he cannot communicate with anyone in his family and he feels so isolated.  Just before being called in to meet with the doctor, he expresses his desire to kill himself just to upset his family.  While meeting with the doctor, the doctor asks if he has any desire to hurt himself and the client says no, and he feels great.  All of his answers and responses are nothing but positive.  During the appointment, the client asks to use the bathroom.  While sitting with the doctor waiting for the client, the interpreter shares the conversation they had in the lobby beforehand.  The doctor immediately issues a 5150 and the client is placed on a 72 hour hold for observation and treatment.  Did the interpreter do the right thing?  Why and why not?

Construct Solutions

-- 1. The interpreter could: Inform the doctor that the client had said they wanted to kill themselves. (which CPC's support this? At least 3)

1.1 - Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “asneeded” basis (e.g., supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities). 

3.4 - Comply with established workplace codes of conduct, notify appropriate personnel if there is a conflict with this Code of Professional Conduct, and actively seek resolution where warranted

2.2 - Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment and make adjustments as needed.  

The interpreter could: When the client returns from the bathroom, the interpreter could tell them they really need to inform the doctor about their thoughts of self-harm (which CPC's support this? At least 3)

1. 1.1 Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “asneeded” basis (e.g., supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities).  
2. 1.3 Inform consumers when federal or state mandates require disclosure of confidential information.  
3. 3.5 Conduct and present themselves in an unobtrusive manner and exercise care in choice of attire. 

1. The interpreter could: Let the client know apon meeting that any expressions of suicidal thoughts will be relayed to the doctor.  (which CPC's support this? At least 3)
   1. 1.1 Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “asneeded” basis (e.g., supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities).  
   2. 1.3 Inform consumers when federal or state mandates require disclosure of confidential information.  
   3.  2.2 Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment and make adjustments as needed.  

1. The interpreter could: Not say anything about what the client privately told them..  (which CPC's support this? At least 3)
   1.  
   2.  
   3.  

(From above listed possible answers, pick the strongest [most CPC’s support] answer)

The interpreter SHOULD: Let the client know apon meeting that any expressions of suicidal thoughts will be relayed to the doctor.

E: Evaluate your decision. State the CPCS what support your decision (#, tenet, & reason it applies) [4+]

1. 1.1 Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “asneeded” basis (e.g., supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities).  
   1. Because the interpreter is only sharing with those who need to know (the doctor).
2. 1.3 Inform consumers when federal or state mandates require disclosure of confidential information.  
   1. Because the interpreter is informing the client of their requirement to share expressions of self-harm or suicide.
3. 2.2 Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment and make adjustments as needed.
   1. The consumer has a need to receive protection. If they will not request the support they need then the interpreter must request it for them.
4. 4.2 Approach consumers with a professional demeanor at all times.
   1. Because it would be inappropriate to act as though any information can be shared, and it is professional to communicate the interpreter’s limitations to the client directly.

Short-Term Impacts/Benefits: Consider the immediate impact/benefits this decision will have on the consumers & participants. [Use impacts for critiques, benefits for support or constructing your own answer) There will be BOTH IMPACTS and BENEFITS for EACH party.

STI: Deaf/Signer Person(s)

• They will probably be angry
• They are unable to harm themselves.

STI: Hearing/Non-Signer Person(s)

• Doctor must now elevate the situation which adds stress to all involved and family is now concerned for their loved one
• Doctor is able to treat patient and family know that their loved one is safe.

STI: Interpreter

• Feel guilty about breaking trust
• Know that the Deaf person won’t harm themselves

STI: Interpreting Community

• No immediate impact
• No immediate impact

Long-Term Impacts/Benefits: Consider the current long-term impact/benefits this decision will have on the consumers & participants. [Use impacts for critiques, benefits for support or constructing your own answer) There will be BOTH, IMPACTS and BENEFITS for EACH party.

LTI: Deaf/Signer Person(s)

• They might struggle trusting interpreters in the future and may not divulge information
• Get the treatment they need and improve mental health

LTI: Hearing/Non-Signer Person(s)

• Doctor may expect interpreters to be sharing extra information about the deaf clients. The family may expect the same thing from interpreters
• Doctor may learn how to better work with Deaf people in the future and trust interpreters to protect clients in life-or-death situations. The Family may realize how their lack of communication has affected their loved one and strive for change.

LTI: Interpreter

• May lose trust or be “black-listed” by the client.
• Will not have to live with the guilt of not intervening to save a life.

LTI: Interpreting Community

• Interpreting community may lose trust.
• The deaf community may trust interpreters to step in when life-or-death situations happen.

Would there ever be considerations where you would NOT follow the CPC? What would that be?

If we were familiar with the Deaf person and knew, based on their humour, that they were 100% joking.