Which term describes the formal set of professional guidelines governing a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist's conduct?

• A. Code of Conduct
• B. Code of Ethics
• C. Standards of Practice
• D. Professional Guidelines

Answer: (B)

The guiding idea is the ethical framework that shapes how professionals should act. A Code of Ethics lays out the fundamental values and duties that govern a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist’s behavior, providing a principled basis for decision-making in all situations. It covers important ethical commitments like maintaining confidentiality, respecting autonomy, setting appropriate boundaries, cultural humility, and advocating for clients, so practitioners can navigate morally complex moments consistently and with integrity.

This emphasis on enduring principles is what makes it the best fit. A Code of Conduct tends to focus more on specific workplace rules and expected behaviors within an organization, often with explicit disciplinary consequences. Standards of Practice describe the skills and tasks professionals should be able to perform, not the overarching ethical obligations. Professional Guidelines is a broader, less specific term. So the ethical code best captures the formal set of guidelines governing conduct at a fundamental, values-driven level.