Coach Scope and Ethics: A Practical Guide

Your Scope in Plain Words

What you do:

• Support goals, skills, routines, and accountability

• Navigate resources and systems; make referrals

• Coordinate with supports and providers with documented consent

• Advocate for client‑stated goals (again, with consent)

What you don’t do:

• Diagnose, treat, prescribe, or interpret clinical data (labs, imaging, etc.)

• Provide legal advice or act as anyone’s attorney

• Handle client cash, keys, cards, meds, or property

• Provide transportation yourself or become a landlord/roommate

Reality check: If it belongs to a clinician, a lawyer, or a bank, it’s out of scope for a coach.

Boundary Traps & Clean Scripts

“Can you tell my doctor to change my dose?”Script: “I can’t direct medical care. With your consent, I can share your concerns and help you plan the visit.”

“Can you read my labs and tell me what to do?”Script: “I don’t interpret labs. Let’s list your questions and send them to your clinician together.”

“Can you spot me $40 for the week?”Script: “I can’t handle client money. I can help you apply for assistance or set up a budget plan.”

“Can you hold my meds for me?”Script: “I can’t store or manage medications. I can help you set up a safe medication plan with your provider or pharmacist.”

“Don’t tell anyone, but I might use tonight.”Script: “I want you safe. Let’s talk safety steps now. If I believe there’s an immediate risk of serious harm, I may need to involve support. My goal is to keep you alive and in control.”

“Can you talk to my probation officer—no paperwork?”Script: “I’ll only share information with written consent that names who, what, and why. If you want that, we can do it the right way.”

Consent & Information Sharing (Do It Right)

Use a written release that clearly states:

• Who: the people/organizations you’re allowed to talk with

• What: topics/limits of information to be shared

• Why: the purpose (e.g., appointment coordination)

• How: phone, email, portal, in person

• When: start date and end date

Re‑confirm verbally before each outreach: “You still want me to share X with Y for Z?”

Dual Relationships (Where Lines Get Blurry)

Don’t coach people you supervise, live with, date, or have financial ties to. If a relationship could affect your neutrality—or looks like it could—refer out. Protect the work and the person.

Ethical Decision Checklist

Before you act, ask:

• Is this within coaching scope?

• Is consent current, written, and specific?

• Does this reduce risk and support the client’s stated goals?

• Can I document what I did clearly and factually?

• Do I need to consult a supervisor or refer?

Quick test: Would I be fine reading this note aloud to the client and my supervisor?

Documentation After Tough Calls

Keep it short and factual:

• What happened (facts only)

• What you did and why

• Who you consulted (names/roles)

• Next steps and timelines

Avoid clinical labels, speculation, or moral judgments.

Professional Protections

• Professional liability coverage suitable for coaching

• A brief Code of Conduct (publish it)

• Regular supervision or peer consultation

• Written scope statement in your client materials

Coming soon: Scope Scenarios & Scripts (downloadable PDF).