Which statement best describes ethical documentation of disclosures in crisis notes?

• A. Accurate, non-judgmental language; preserve confidentiality; include relevant information only; obtain consent; secure storage
• B. Speculative language; share with all staff; include every detail
• C. Omit sensitive information; share publicly
• D. Alter facts to align with beliefs

Answer: (A)

Ethical documentation of disclosures in crisis notes means recording what was disclosed and the surrounding circumstances in a way that is accurate, neutral, and protective of the person’s privacy. Use objective, non-judgmental language to describe the disclosure and any observable safety concerns or needs for care, rather than interpreting motives or inferring thoughts. Include only information that is relevant to safety, crisis response, or follow-up care; avoid extraneous details that aren’t tied to the person’s well-being or the response plan. Always consider consent for documenting disclosures; document the consent process and any limits if consent isn’t possible. Store records securely, with access restricted to staff who need to know, and follow organizational policies on encryption, access controls, retention, and secure disposal. This approach preserves trust, supports continuity of care, and protects the person’s confidentiality and safety. The other options run counter to ethical practice by introducing speculation, broad sharing, public disclosure, or altering facts.