Law and Ethics Flashcards
Which issues are legal, ethical or both
Advertising
Legal - No false advertising
Ethical - No misleading advertising, claims, info, no soliciting reviews
No exaggerating competence
Authorization to Share Information
Legal - Anyone 12+ should sign a release
Ethical - Members of treatment unit 12+ should sign
Business Practices; Post License, Disclose owner’s name and license of business.
Legal
Reporting child abuse if there is a reasonable suspicion
Legal
Confidentiality
Legal - HIPPA, NPP, only break when mandated
Ethical - limits to, maintain unless mandated
Consultation when clinically indicated
Ethical
Managing Countertransference
Ethical
Avoiding dual relationships
Ethical
Understanding cultural factors
Ethical
Mandated reporting of elder abuse
Legal
Fees
Legal and ethical
Gifts
Ethical
Confidentiality in group therapy
Ethical
Notifying police when there is imminent intent to harm to others
Legal
Comply with HIPPA when communicating with third-party-payers
Legal
Informed consent
Legal - fees, signed for minor, license status, HIPPa etc.
Ethical - Alt. treatments, policies, limits to confidentiality, therapist background
Insurance
Legal - false claims
Ethical - Advocacy
Issues with other therapists
Ethical - support when compromised, no stealing clients, do not treat for same issue.
Seeking help for Personal Problems
Ethical
Privilege
Legal - only applies to legal situations
Ethical - Inform client about risks of waiving rights
Records
Legal - 7 years or until client is 25
Ethical - standard of practice, do not withhold.
Referral
Legal - no payment for referrals
Ethical - no payment, provide clinically appropriate
Scope of Comptetence
Ethical - stay current & in scope
Scope of Practice
Legal - stay in legally defined scope
Self-Determination
Ethical - client’s autonomy and participation in treatment plan
Sexual Realtions
Legal - illegal during + 2yrs, brochure
Ethical - avoid with those close to client, exes.
Standard of Care
Legal
Suicide
Legal - assess risk, meet standard of care
Ethical - address overall wellbeing of client
Telehealth
Legal - consent, appropriateness, document location
Ethical - resourcing, appropriateness, risk, privacy
Termination
Ethical - when a client isn’t benefitting
Treating Minors
Legal - comply with consent laws, can deny records to parents
Treating Multiple People in Treatment Unit
Ethical - risks, conflicts, secrets policy, informed consent
What Reporting is Mandated?
Physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect are mandated
Emotional abuse and exposure to domestic violence is optional.
If the client is 18 or older and the abuse occurred in childhood, should you report
No. Confidentiality is maintained unless there is a reasonable suspicion other minors are currently being abused.
Should I report if a child is taken out of state without permission?
No. This is considered kidnapping and the client should call law inforcement.
Should I report consensual sex between minors?
If one of the minors is less than 14 and the other is over 14, it is reportable.
What is the standard of care for assessing for child abuse or neglect?
If any risk factors are present, a therapist should assess for abuse and/or neglect
Should I file a report if I am not working in a professional capacity?
Filing a report is not mandated in this situation, but is optional.
Am I legally required to inform my client that I have reported?
It is not legally required but it is considered best practice unless it would put any party involved at risk of harm.
Is failure to provide medical care reportable?
Yes. It is considered neglect?
Are previous crimes reportable?
No. Only if they are crimes about children, dependent adults, or elders.
Who signs for a release of information?
Each participant in therapy 12 or older who is competent to do so.
Permitted Exceptions to Confidentiality
High Risk of Suicide
Grave Disability
A client or their representative signs an authorization
When billing insurance
Disclosures to parents of minors
Disclosures to other mental health providers in order to prevent harm to patients
What is the Duty to Protect?
When the client presents serious danger of violence to an identifiable other, the therapist is obligated to take steps to protect the victim, which may include:
Calling the victim(s)
Notifying the police
Voluntary or involuntary hospitalization
Medication management
Therapeutic interventions
What is the Duty to Report?
When the client makes threats of serious danger or violence to a reasonably identifiable other, the therapist is obligated to report to local law enforcement within 24 hours.
NOT alter medical records
Legal
NOT offer or accept payment for referrals
Legal and Ethical
NOT treat any person with whom the therapist had a previous sexual relationship.
Ethical