The Ethics Code: Ethical Standard 4 - Privacy and Confidentiality

Question 1

4.01: The Ethics Code emphasizes that psychologists have a primary obligation to protect the _____________________ they obtain.

Answer 1

Confidential information.

Question 2

4.02: Psychologists must discuss the ______________________ with any persons or organizations with whom they work. They must also discuss the possible ____________ of any information that is obtained. Confidentiality is generally discussed at the ________________________, and whenever there are relevant changes in circumstances.

Answer 2

• Limits of confidentiality
• Uses
• Outset of treatment

Note: If electronic transmission is used (e.g., e-mail), psychologists must inform clients of the possible risks to privacy and any additional limits to confidentiality.

Question 3

4.03: Permission for _____________________ must be secured from clients.

Answer 3

Taping or videotaping.

Question 4

4.04: Psychologists should discuss confidential information obtained from clients only for __________________ or ___________________ purposes, and should include only the confidential information that is necessary when preparing oral or written reports.

Answer 4

• Scientific
• Professional

Question 5

4.05: Confidential information may be disclosed when the client _____________________________. Confidential information may be shared without client consent when the disclosure is either __________________________, or when the disclosure is _________________ by law. Although psychologists may disclose confidential information without client consent in order to ___________________________, they should only disclose the smallest amount of information that is necessary.

Answer 5

• Gives consent
• Permitted by law
• Mandated
• Obtain payment for services

Question 6

4.06: During consultations, psychologists should not reveal detailed information that could lead to identification of a client unless they have obtained __________________ or the disclosure cannot _________________. Psychologists should only share information that is absolutely necessary for the purposes of the consultation.

Answer 6

• Prior consent
• Be avoided

Question 7

4.07: When psychologists lecture or write, they must not include confidential information unless the person has _______________________ or there is __________________ to do so. Otherwise, confidential information should be disguised.

Answer 7

• Consented in writing
• Legal authorization

Question 8

A ______________________ requires you to appear with client records.

Answer 8

Subpoena duces tecum.

Question 9

When a subpoena is received, as psychologist should first __________________________, inform the client of the subpoena, and seek the client’s permission to _________________________.

Answer 9

• Inform the client
• Release the records

Question 10

If a client does not grant permission to release records following receipt of a subpoena, the psychologists may _______________________ and request the subpoena be _________________.

Answer 10

• Contact the attorney who issued the subpoena
• Quashed

Question 11

In contrast to a subpoena, a ___________________ is signed by a judge and carries the weight of the law.

Answer 11

Court order.

Question 12

A psychologist may always request that a judge ________________ a court order; however, ultimately a psychologist must comply with any court order or be held in contempt of court.

Answer 12

Modify.

Question 13

In a ___________________________, a psychologist is retained by the court to evaluate a defendant. In this situation, the results of the evaluation are to be shared with the court, and the defendant has no _____________________.

Answer 13

• Court-ordered evaluation
• Confidentiality rights

Note: There is also no requirement that the psychologist get the defendant’s consent to participate. Howeever, the psychologist must explain the nature of the evaluation and the limits of confidentiality to the defendant prior to beginning the evaluation.

Question 14

In _______________________, the court has ordered the defendant to seek therapy as a condition of his/her sentence. In this situation, the _________________ generally seeks out a therapist or program. At the end of treatment, or periodically throughout treatment, the court requests info. from the treating therapist.

Answer 14

• Court-ordered therapy
• Defendant

Note: The psychologist who agrees to treat this client must make sure to clarify the nature of the treatment that has been ordered by the court, as well as the info. that the court needs. The psychologist must then discuss this info. with the client and obtain informed consent. In addition, the psychologist must generally obtain a signed release of info. from the client in order to be able to communicate with the court.

Question 15

_______________________ is the client’s right to have communications kept within the bounds of the professional client-therapist relationship. __________________ is the client’s right to keep confidential communications from being disclosed in a legal proceeding. In a court-appointed evaluation, _________________ does not exist.

Answer 15

• Confidentiality
• Privelege
• Privilege