When a client offers a gift, which approach best preserves boundaries?

• A. Accept lavish gifts to show goodwill.
• B. Set clear limits on gifts, avoid lavish gifts, discuss with supervisor, document decisions, and ensure it does not influence care.
• C. Require gifts as a condition of service.
• D. No policy exists; accept any gift.

Answer: (B)

Keeping professional boundaries intact when a client offers a gift involves setting clear limits, handling the situation transparently, and documenting the decision. Gifts can create or appear to create influence, bias, or expectations of special treatment, which erodes trust and undermines objectivity. The best approach is to set clear limits on gifts, avoid lavish gifts, discuss the situation with a supervisor, document the decision and the rationale, and ensure the gift does not influence care or service. This approach protects both client and practitioner, promotes accountability, and supports consistent ethical practice. Accepting lavish gifts, requiring gifts as a condition of service, or having no policy (and accepting anything) all risk blurring boundaries and compromising neutrality.