Section 9

Question 1

Describe the 3 part protocol counsellors should follow when they are requested to release client records (this might be an exam question) (Section 9, p. 663, Hamberger article).

Answer 1

Step 1:

• Verify the requesting person’s signature on the consent form authorizing record release.
• Determine if written consent contains legally adequate components for release of mental health info.
• Initial contact with person requesting the release.
• If contacting a third party: determine the reason for release, describe reason for requesting the release of the entire record, attempt to narrow the request to a summary report (instead of full release)
• If the psychologist cannot get ahold of the client: write the client a letter outlining rights/responsibilities, release record upon receipt of a letter from the client.

Step 2:
- In-depth discussion with client outlining their rights, responsibilities, and the potential benefits/costs of releasing the entire record. They must have enough information to make an informed decision!

Step 3:
- Clinician-supervised reading of the full record (with the client). Discuss informed consent again. If the client still wants the full record released, the full record will be released.

Question 2

What is the difference between a summary report and a complete report? (Section 9, p. 663, Hamberger article)

Answer 2

A summary report contains information germane to the specific request for release (the info that is needed for the release and nothing more).

A complete report is the psychologist’s full record of the client.

Question 3

Why could it be damaging to the client to release their full record? This is also why informed consent is extremely important! (Section 9, p. 657, Hamberger article)

Answer 3

There could be a loss of privacy. There is no assurance the file will not go beyond the requesting third party. The file could become a part of public records. The client could be denied services (deny job opportunities, health care services, etc.). Some information could be embarrassing for the client, which would impact their well-being.

Question 4

In acquiring and maintaining personal information about clients, psychologists should adhere to the fundamental principle of privacy protection. What does this refer to? (Section 9, p. 665)

Answer 4

Psychologists should only collect information from clients they need to provide good services to that client. Also, they should only use this information for the original purposes agreed upon by the client.

Question 5

Psychologists are often required to act as guardians of client information. What does this refer to? (Section 9, p. 665).

Answer 5

Psychologists have a duty to protect the confidentiality of information that client’s reveal to them. Psychologists have a responsibility to ensure client’s fully understand the limits to the confidentiality of information they disclose and plausible consequences of disclosure.

Question 6

When should psychologists release confidential information about their client? (Section 9, p. 665)

Answer 6

Only with the express, specific consent of the client (except under circumstances where they are required to release information by law).

Question 7

Psychologists have a duty to ensure client’s consent to release is “informed and voluntary.” What does informed and voluntary consent refer to? (Section 9, p. 665)

Answer 7

Informed consent requires (at a minimum) the client to understand what information is to be released, to whom, the purpose of the release, and what purposes the information will be used for.

Voluntary refers to providing consent without pressure/coercion.

Question 8

When would client’s consent to release/withhold information be overridden? (Section 9, p. 666)

Answer 8

When required by law, when the file info was compiled pursuant to the direction of a third party payer, or when there is a threat to the client or another identified person.

Question 9

Clients should be considered competent to make decisions about releasing/withholding their personal information, except under what circumstances? (Section 9, p. 666)

Answer 9

When there is formal order in place appointing a guardian for them under the Dependent Adults Act.

Question 10

When a file contains information about several persons (such as in couples or family therapy), before releasing the information, the psychologist must acquire consent from who? (Section 9, p. 666).

Answer 10

All persons involved.

Question 11

When confidential client information is required to be released by law, psychologists still have a duty to ensure what? (Section 9, p. 667)

Answer 11

Only the required information is released, the information is released only to persons authorized to receive it, and the clients are fully informed.

Question 12

If psychologists release psychological test information, who should this information be released to? (Section 9, p. 667)

Answer 12

Only to other psychologists.

Question 13

Psychologists working in publicly-funded institutions in Alberta are explicitly authorized to refuse to release psychological test protocols to clients or third parties, even when the client has requested the release (FOIPP Section 25 and HIA Section 11(1)). This does not apply to what? (Section 9, p. 668)

Answer 13

The RESULTS of the psychological tests.

Question 14

If a client insists on production of psychological test data, the psychologist must comply, except under what circumstances? (Section 9, p. 668)

Answer 14

1. Disclosure of the information would have a substantial adverse effect on the client’s physical, mental, or emotional health.
2. If there was harm to a third party.