Ethics

Question 1

Withholding client records for nonpayment of fees.

Answer 1

Psychologists MAY NOT withhold records that are requested for patient’s EMERGENCY treatment.

Question 2

In ethics, the term privilege means what?

Answer 2

Prayer privileges, legal concept and protects clients confidential information being disclosed and legal proceeding. Information is protected in court.

Question 3

What is the rule on accepting contingent fees?

Answer 3

Accepting contingent fees should usually be avoided, but is not prohibited.

Question 4

How should psychologist handle members of the press, television, radio and other communication?

Answer 4

They should not compensate media employees in return for publicity items.

Question 5

What is required when electronically transmitting client information?

Answer 5

Redacted documents and MRN numbers are the common solutions.

Question 6

What is the timeframe that psychologist are to retain for client records for adults and minors age after the date of the therapy session?

Answer 6

Adults- seven years
Minors- three years** after reaching age of majority.

Question 7

What are the requirements to claim malpractice against the psychologist?

Answer 7

1. The psychologist must have a legal duty to provide professional services to the client.
2. The psychologist must have breached that duty as a result of of negligence or by providing services that did not meet the professional standard of care.
3. The client was psychologically or physically harmed, or injured.
4. The psychologist’s breach of duty was the cause of the clients harm or injury.

Question 8

What is the ethical standard regarding psychologist becoming sexually involved with former clients?

Answer 8

Psychologist do not engage in sexual intimacy with former clients for at least two years after cessation or termination of therapy. Even when two years have passed psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients except in the most unusual circumstances, which includes ensuring that the relationship is not exploitive.

Question 9

What should a psychologist do when they realize they are experiencing countertransference with a certain patient population?

Answer 9

Consult with a colleague to help monitor the therapist’s effectiveness with the client of that population and determined the best course of action.

Question 10

When is it allowed that the APA take action against a member?

Answer 10

-When a complaint has been filed against him or her.
-A member has been expelled or suspended from the state Licensing Board.
-When a member has been convicted of a felony.

Question 11

Who is the “holder of privilege”?

Answer 11

The client or the client’s legal representative.

Question 12

When can a psychologist be used as an expert witness in a court case?

Answer 12

The judge of the court case determines if the psychologist is qualified. The judges decision is based on the consideration of the relevance of the psychologists knowledge, skills, experience, training, and education.

Question 13

When is it permissible to administer a testing measure that has no information about its validity reliability on a certain population.

Answer 13

It would be acceptable to administer the measure if the psychologist explains the possible limitations of its results to the clients and there is no other measure available.

Question 14

What are the requirements to be able to use a patient’s test data in a research study?

Answer 14

To use data in a research study, It is only acceptable if the patient consents to the use of their test information.

Question 15

How long should authors of research articles that are published in the APA journals retain their research data?

Answer 15

At least five years after the date of publication.

Question 16

What should the therapist do if the patient is no longer able to financially afford services?

Answer 16

The therapist should provide termination counseling and referrals to alternative services.

Question 17

What is the ethical requirements for a psychologist when presenting instructional material?

Answer 17

Psychologists are required to present instructional information in an accurate and unbiased manner.

Question 18

When is it permissible to withhold clients test results from the client?

Answer 18

If the psychologist believes that by releasing clients test results may cause serious bodily harm to the client.

Question 19

What does implied consent mean?

Answer 19

It is inferred from the circumstances or actions of a person. It applies to anyone who lacks the capacity to give informed consent or is assumed when someone registers to participate in a relationship with the therapist like a student who signs up for a class.

Question 20

When the client asked to see the test scores, that should be respond?

Answer 20

Provide the scores to him unless you believe that doing so might cause him substantial harm.

Question 21

Under what conditions is it acceptable to require students to disclose mental health history?

Answer 21

1. If the requirements have been clearly identified in the program and admissions material.
2. To gain understanding if personal problems are preventing them from performing their training or professionally related activities that may pose a threat to the student or others.

Question 22

List and define the five ethical principles in psychology:

Answer 22

A) Beneficence & nonmaleficence- do good and no harm

B) Fidelity & Responsibility- establish trust and maintain awareness of professional responsibilities. Will donate portion of professional time.

C) Integrity- promotes accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in practice.

D) Justice- recognizes that fairness and justice entitle all people to benefit from the practice of Psychology

E) Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity- respect the dignity and worth of all people and their right to privacy, confidentiality and self-determination.

Question 23

What should psychologists do when they are faced with conflicts between ethical responsibilities and legal requirements?

Answer 23

When reasonable actions taken by psychologists do not resolve the conflict, they are permitted to make a conscientious decision to comply with legal authority as long as their decision does not violate human rights.

Question 24

In regards to educational and psychological testing, what is the difference between accommodations and modifications?

Answer 24

Accommodations do not alter test construction, while modifications do.

Question 25

Ethical guidelines for soliciting client testimonials

Answer 25

Psychologist are prohibited from soliciting testimonials from current clients and in some circumstances former clients. Those cases would be if because of their circumstances the client is vulnerable to undue influence.