Ethics

registration deadline: 9/25/2026

Trainer:

Dana Poverman, LCMHC, LADC: Ms. Poverman has worked in the fields of mental health and substance use disorders for over 30 years. She has provided treatment to clients; created and directed clinical programs, including treatment courts, student assistance services and co-occurring treatment; and provided clinical supervision and training throughout her career. Her experience with MAT began in 2002 with the opening of the Chittenden Clinic, a program of Howard Center, Vermont’s first OTP.  Prior to Vermont’s implementation of the hub and spoke system, she managed the ADAP-funded state-wide grant for the COBMAT project (Coordination of Office-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment) beginning in 2005. She worked with providers in Chittenden and Franklin Counties to expand OBOT services. Dana was the director of the Chittenden Clinic until July 2021. She currently provides training and LADC supervision for clinicians at Howard Center and Central Vermont Addiction Medicine. She serves as an Advisor to the Office of Professional Regulation for Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Her clinical interest lies in the intersectionality of trauma, social injustice, and substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors.

Description:

This six-hour training will review the nine principles of the NAADAC Code of Ethics in detail. The foundation for these standards in the underlying principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and distributive justice will be examined. The format will include didactic presentation, group discussion and activities. Examples will be drawn from real-life cases to illustrate situations that pose risk and ethical dilemmas for those working in the field of substance use disorder prevention, intervention and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding professional boundaries, boundary extensions and boundary violations. Participants will also explore models for resolving ethical dilemmas.

Agenda:

9:00 – 10:30
What are Ethics?
Guiding principles
NAADAC Code 6/1/25
Break 10:30 – 10:40
10:40 – 12:10
What is an ethical dilemma and how to resolve it, including model for resolving ethical dilemmas
Beginning the Relationship (including mandatory disclosures)
Informed Consent
Telehealth
Confidentiality – HIPAA and 42 CFR
Artificial Intelligence – considerations for ethical practice
Documentation

Lunch 12:10 – 1:10

1:10– 2:40
Boundary extensions vs Boundary Violations – case examples and practice
Professional Responsibility and Client Care – Ethical termination
Counter-transference
Cultural Awareness and Humility
2:40 – 3:00 Break
3: 00 – 4:30
Case examples of Professional Misconduct
Dual Relationships – Slippery Slopes
Meta-ethical issues – implications for policy

Learning Objectives:

a. Participants will be able to identify the principles of the NAADAC Code of Ethics
b. Participants will be able to identify the underlying ethical principles that are the bedrock of the professional codes
c. Participants will be able to describe when informed consent must be obtained and the 4 elements needed to obtain informed consent
d. Participants will be able to explain how culture, race and socio-economic factors can affect the therapeutic relationship
e. Participants will be able to describe the difference between boundary violations and boundary extensions
f. Participants will be able to identify at least common areas for violations of ethics codes
g. Participants will be able to define an ethical dilemma
h. Participants will be able to identify steps to take in resolving an ethical dilemma