When engaging collateral contacts, what is essential regarding consent?

• A. Consent is not required under any circumstance.
• B. Consent is not required if the collateral contact is a family member.
• C. Consent must be obtained before contacting and information sharing with collateral contacts.
• D. Consent is only required for mental health records.

Answer: (C)

Obtaining consent before contacting collateral contacts and before sharing information with them is essential. This protects the supervisee’s privacy, upholds confidentiality obligations, and sets clear boundaries about what can be discussed and with whom. In practice, explain to the supervisee who might be contacted, what information you may seek or disclose, and for what purpose. Secure explicit consent—preferably in writing—that covers the scope, duration, and specific types of information to be shared, and provide a copy to the supervisee for their records. If consent isn’t given, you should not reach out to collateral contacts or disclose information to them, and you would instead use information you can obtain through permissible, alternatives-based means or revisit consent if circumstances change.