Minors and individuals with some cognitive impairments are not considered capable of what, according to the CRCC Code of Professional Ethics?

The correct answer is that minors and individuals with some cognitive impairments are not considered capable of providing informed consent. Informed consent is a critical concept in rehabilitation counseling and other fields, as it ensures that individuals are fully aware of and agree to the nature, benefits, and potential risks of a treatment or intervention before participating.

For minors, legal guardians typically provide consent on their behalf due to their age and the understanding that they may not possess the necessary maturity or legal standing to make such decisions independently. Similarly, individuals with certain cognitive impairments may lack the capacity to understand the information presented to them regarding the treatment or the implications of their choices, which is integral to providing informed consent.

While minors and individuals with cognitive impairments may still have the ability to participate in discussions or understand instructions to some degree, their ability to provide informed consent acknowledges the need for protection and advocacy in clinical settings. Understanding instructions and engaging in discussions does not equate to the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with informed consent, making this distinction crucial in the context of the CRCC Code of Professional Ethics.