What is a key ethical consideration when encountering a patient outside of the counseling setting?

Maintaining the patient's privacy is a fundamental ethical consideration when encountering a patient outside of the counseling setting. This principle aligns with the confidentiality obligations of healthcare professionals, which are crucial in fostering a trusting relationship between the patient and the counselor. When interacting with a patient in a public or non-clinical environment, it is essential to respect their privacy and avoid any discussions about their personal health information or condition. This not only protects the patient’s sensitive information but also upholds the standards of ethical practice in genetic counseling and healthcare in general.

In contrast, discussing their condition openly would violate confidentiality principles and could cause distress to the patient. Waving to them to acknowledge recognition could lead to unintended public exposure of the patient's identity, depending on the context. Ignoring them completely may not respect the personal relationship established during counseling, but it does not prioritize the ethical principle of privacy, which remains the most significant consideration in such scenarios.