The Ethics Code: Ethical Standard 6 - Record Keeping and Fees

Question 1

6.01: To the extent that they have control, psychologists should create and maintain records of their ________________________ with the following goals in mind: 1) to facilitate future provision of services; 2) to allow for replication of research results; 3) to meet institutional requirements; 4) to ensure accuracy in billing; 5) to comply with the law.

Answer 1

Professional work.

Question 2

6.02: To the extent they have control, psychologists create, maintain, and destroy records in a manner that ________________________. When client info. is entered into databases, appropriate measures should be taken to protect confidentiality, including ____________________ of personal identifiers. Psychologists should make plans in advance to protect the confidentiality of records and data in case of their death or incapacity.

Answer 2

• Protects confidentiality
• Coding

Question 3

6.03: Psychologists may not ____________________________ that are necessary for emergency treatment because a client owes them money. This ethical standard ___________________ with current federal law (HIPAA), which states that psychologists may not withhold records for nonpayment under any circumstances.

Answer 3

• Withhold records
• Conflicts

Note: It is technically ethical but actually illegal to withhold records for nonpayment in a non-emergency situation.

Question 4

6.04: Fees and billing arrangements must be agreed upon “____________________________ in a professional or scientific relationship.” Fee practices must be consistent with the law, and psychologists may not misrepresent their fees. Psychologists must also inform clients before using a _______________________, and they must provide clients with the opportunity to make prompt payment.

Answer 4

• As early as is feasible
• Collection agency

Question 5

Psychologists __________ have to inform clients at the outset of treatment that they may use a collection agency at some later time. When using a collection agency, only the most ______________________ should be disclosed (typically the client’s name and amount of money owed).

Answer 5

• Do not
• Limited information

Question 6

6.05: Bartering is permissable as long as it is not _________________________ and not _______________________.

Answer 6

• Clinically contraindicated
• Exploitative

Question 7

6.06: Psychologists must provide _______________________ to payors (e.g., insurance companies) and to sources of research funding (e.g., diagnoses, fees, services provided).

Answer 7

Accurate information.

Note: Psychologists may not submit false diagnoses or exaggerate their clients’ problems in order to ensure continuity of coverage. Nor may they understate diagnoses in an effort to reduce stigma.

Question 8

6.07: Any payment or fee-splitting between psychologists and other professionals must be based on services provided (clinical, consultative, administrative, or other). Psychologists may never pay another professional for a ________________.

Answer 8

Referral.