Course Summary:

Decision-making impacts all aspects of a relationship with a client or family member in need. What kind of decision maker are you? Do you know your strengths and weaknesses? How do you react during a crisis? This workshop discusses the ethical dilemmas, behaviors and attitudes about decision making for others. We’ll explore interventions and guidelines to ensure moral, legal and clinical best practices.

Target Professional Disciplines: Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Social Workers, Psychologists, Case Managers, Care Coordinators, Crisis Workers, Emergency Department professionals, and community mental-health personnel.
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Problem / Gap Statement

Fragmentation across behavioral health, medical, legal, and crisis systems leads to poor treatment continuity, caregiver confusion, ineffective crisis intervention, and negative outcomes for individuals with severe mental illness. Clinicians often lack a unified framework to coordinate care across these interrelated systems.

Evidence of Gap

  • High readmission and crisis-cycle recurrence rates

  • Frequent breakdowns in communication between families and clinical teams

  • Inconsistent application of crisis protocols

  • Provider burnout tied to lack of system clarity

  • Literature showing poor care transitions increase morbidity and caregiver distress

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Develop an understanding of the basic concepts associated with the helping professions

  • Develop a basic understanding of mental health disorders

  • Understand the strengths perspective, hierarchy of needs and ecological approach in working with individuals.

  • Integrate ethical decision making into your everyday life

  • Understand your strengths and weaknesses as a decisionmaker

  • Gain confidence in your decision-making abilities

  • Identify the diverse types of decision-making

  • Apply practical tools to decision-making

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Module One

    • Self Test

    • Module Introduction

    • Module 1 Assisted DM

    • Module 1 Tool

    • Best to Worst tool
  • 2

    Module Two

    • Module 2 Introduction

    • Module 2 Substitute Decision Maker

    • Module 2 Tool

    • Module 2 Tool PDF
  • 3

    Module Three

    • Module 3 Surrogate DM

    • Module 3 Case Study

    • Risk Burden Benefit Tool
  • 4

    Module Four

    • Module 4 Review

    • Module 4 Audio Tool

    • Plan Do Review
  • 5

    Course Survey

    • Ethical Decision-Making Course Evaluation

Instructional Methods

  • Case-based learning

  • Micro-lessons and short video segments

  • Reflective exercises

  • Post-test and scenario assessments

About the instructor

Senior Consultant

Michael Mackniak, JD

Michael Mackniak is an attorney, innovator and strategist.He specializes in coaching wellness professionals: caregivers, decision-makers and fiduciaries to develop comprehensive formulas in order to obtain the necessary services for their loved ones, friends or clients.Michael provides a team approach to consultation on the most difficult and challenging cases. He holds a law degree from Quinnipiac University, a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Bay Path University, is a National Certified Guardian and a certified brain injury specialist. His programs have received multiple awards and honors including national recognition from Eli Lily’s “Welcome Back Award”, NAMI’s “Hero Award” and the 2015 National College of Probate Judge’s “Isabella Award.”Michael is the nation’s foremost speaker on interrelated human service systems and developing efficient and effective methods for the delivery of needed resources to our most at need populations. He has lectured across the United States demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive planning in avoiding costly and ineffective interventions in all service settings. Commissioners, administrators, directors and clinicians utilize his practical approach to challenging systems issues in a world of decreasing resources and increasing expectations."Saving Melissa: The Seven 7C's for Curing the Mental Health System" offers readers insight and strategies into the process on creating an interrelated service system in their community. The book acts as a guide to all “Helping Professionals” wishing to deliver meaningful programming in the most effective and efficient manner.

Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure & Management

  • All faculty have completed COI disclosures.

  • No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

  • Content reviewed by independent planner to ensure absence of commercial bias.

  • All recommendations are evidence-based or reflect best-practice guidelines.

Learning Assessment & Evaluation Plan

Assessment Tools:

  • Post-test (multiple choice + case questions)

  • Scenario-based application items

  • Reflection exercises (non-graded)

Evaluation Form Will Measure:

  • Achievement of learning objectives

  • Relevance to professional practice

  • Perceived bias or influence

  • Intent to change practice

  • Satisfaction with format and instruction

A passing score of ≥ 80% will be required for CE credit.

Standards of Educational Independence

The Guardian Model activity is fully independent of commercial influence. No industry funding, sponsorship, or promotional relationships exist. All content is evidence-informed and developed solely by qualified experts.

Credit Calculation & Certificate Process

CE credit is calculated using the standard formula:

1 hour of instruction = 1 CE credit

Certificates will include:

  • Learner name

  • Title of activity

  • Date completed

  • Number/type of credits awarded

  • Accreditation statement

  • Provider signature