Which of the following describes an ethical obligation concerning record keeping?

Maintaining accurate records is a fundamental ethical obligation for counselors as it ensures the integrity and quality of care provided to clients. Accurate record keeping helps in tracking the progress of the client, documenting the treatment plan, and providing a clear history of interactions and interventions. This is essential not only for the accountability of the counselor but also for the benefit and safety of clients. Proper records support clinical decision-making and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Moreover, accurate records can be vital in instances where the client's history needs to be reviewed, such as during transitions of care or when other healthcare providers are involved. This practice of careful and accurate documentation promotes transparency and trust in the therapeutic relationship, which is essential to effective counseling and mental health practice.

In contrast, discarding records at their own discretion, treating summarizing records as optional, and giving records freely to anyone do not align with ethical standards, as they undermine client confidentiality and the responsible management of sensitive client information.