In community health education for behavioral change, valid assessment of stage of change is critical; in health promotion screening for cancer, health insurance coverage is also critical because some communities do not have the freedom to choose to change or to get their cancer treated. Proceeding without valid assessment of stage of change or insurance coverage can cause us harm. Harm comes to the patients when providers label them negatively or cause them anxiety if they cannot afford diagnosis and treatment beyond the screening. Not doing harm, (nonmaleficence) is our most compelling ethics principle. The authors analyze these two issues through the principles of autonomy, justice, and nonmaleficence in both their practice and that of their student with US-Mexico border communities and give recommendations.