Which section of the Standards of Ethics addresses issues such as drug abuse and HIPAA violations?

The section of the Standards of Ethics that addresses issues like drug abuse and HIPAA violations is the Rules of Ethics. This part of the ethical framework outlines specific behaviors that are mandatory for professionals to follow and includes standards that govern compliance with laws, regulations, and professional conduct, which encompasses critical issues like substance abuse and patient confidentiality.

The Rules of Ethics serve to protect patients and ensure that practitioners maintain a high level of professionalism. Violations such as drug abuse can jeopardize patient safety and the integrity of the healthcare practice, making it essential that these issues are clearly defined and addressed in this section.

In contrast, the Code of Ethics generally provides a broader set of principles guiding professional conduct rather than specific regulatory standards. It functions more as a philosophical framework for ethical behavior rather than detailing specific mandates or prohibitions. Therefore, while both sections are important, the Rules of Ethics specifically delineate the requirements and prohibitions relevant to more direct ethical violations, making it the section that appropriately addresses concerns such as drug abuse and HIPAA violations.