module 6 A client's right to confidentiality

Question 1

explain what confidentiality means within a psychological service

Answer 1

Confidentiality provides clients with the assurance that their personal information will not be shared with others in a haphazard or unpredictable way.
The Ethical Guidelines section on confidentiality promotes the following concepts for psychologists to consider and exercise in their professional duties and interactions:

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the psychological profession: The assurance of confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality is one of the key ingredients of trust within the therapeutic relationship.
Confidentiality prevents unwanted disclosure of client information: This means that clients control and have the decision-making power over who is privy to their own information.
Confidentiality is not absolute: There are occasions when psychologists are legally obliged to disclose client information. Psychologists should not give a false impression that all information can be kept confidential.

Question 2

locate the sections of the Code and Guidelines that provide guidance on confidentiality for psychologists

Answer 2

General Principle A is the part of the Code where the ethical standard of confidentiality is located. It deals specifically with the careful management of information within the context of a therapeutic relationship based on the protection of people’s human rights, legal rights, and moral rights. General Principle A includes the following key aspects:
justice
respect
informed consent
privacy
confidentiality
release of information to clients
collection of information from associated parties.
The Ethical Guidelines section on confidentiality promotes the following concepts for psychologists to consider and exercise in their professional duties and interactions:
1.Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the psychological profession: The assurance of confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality is one of the key ingredients of trust within the therapeutic relationship.
2.Confidentiality prevents unwanted disclosure of client information: This means that clients control and have the decision-making power over who is privy to their own information.
3.Confidentiality is not absolute: There are occasions when psychologists are legally obliged to disclose client information. Psychologists should not give a false impression that all information can be kept confidential.
A Psychologist should be mindful re appointment times, shared office space/printer, emailing/faxing other health professionals etc of who might see such info.

Question 3

explain the limits to confidentiality.

Answer 3

Psychologists may need to break confidentiality for reasons of protecting client or others from harm, for legal reasons, or to discuss with other team members/health professionals. Clients should understand these limitations at the beginning of service.
psychologists may break confidentiality:
a)where there is a legal obligation to do so.
b)if there is an immediate and specified risk of harm to an identifiable person or persons that can be averted only by disclosing information.
c)when consulting colleagues, or in the course of supervision or professional training, provided that identities are concealed; or the client’s consent is obtained, and the recipients of the information are informed that they are required to preserve the client’s privacy, and the psychologist obtains an undertaking from the recipients of the information that they will preserve the client’s privacy.
d)with the consent of the relevant client or a person with legal authority to act on behalf of the client.
answer :all of these answers are correct.
Clients must have discussion about informed consent and its limitations at the beginning of the relationship, but also as required throughout the relationship. Confidentiality is ongoing, not a once off.

Question 4

Explain mandatory notification

Answer 4

Must notify AHPRA (Australian Health Practioner Regulation Agency) or the relevant board if there is reasonable level of concern that a psychologist (or other health practitioner) has endangered or been reckless with the public due to substance abuse, some level of impairment, or operating in a fashion well outside of standard acceptable practice. Do not need to provide proof but suspicion must be well founded and without malicious intent.