Question

The obligation to maintain the confidentiality of professional or scientific records includes advance planning for the secure transfer of such records in case of planned or unplanned withdrawals from a position or practice because of job termination, promotion, a new position, parental or family leave, retirement, illness, or death. Is this statement True or False?

A psychologist in independent practice in a wealthy suburban community saw clients in an office attached to her home. One of her clients, a landscaper, noticed that her driveway and landscaping in front of her home were in serious disrepair. He suggested that instead of paying fees for 2 months, he would landscaper her home. Although the cost of the landscaping would be greater than the psychologist’s fees during this period, the psychologist agreed. The client was unable to complete the job in the 2 month period, leading to increased tension during the therapy sessions.  Is this scenario Ethical or Unethical? If Ethical select True or if Unethical select False.

  A psychologist charged a first time fee when a client asked for a list of individuals to whom the psychologist had released the client’s PHI over the past 2 years. The psychologist was unaware that under HIPAA, each year clients/patients have the right to receive one free accounting of all disclosures of PHI information made within the previous 6 years. Is this scenario Ethical or Unethical? If Ethical select True or if Unethical select False.

An organizational psychologist hired by a hospital to conduct a quality improvement study set up a payment schedule tied to completion of data collection, completion of the first draft of the report, and completion of the final draft.  Is this scenario Ethical or Unethical? If Ethical select True or if Unethical select False.

Answer 1

1. True

Psychologists are required to protect their client’s information and plan ahead to ensure that the cleint’s Records will not be mishandled in case of premature termination of the professional relationship with the client due to change in the city, severe illness, retirement, death, etc.

2.false

This situation presents an unethical practice as the APA codes of ethics prohibit psychologists from exchnaging any service, gifts, etc, from their patients or clients.

3. False

It was unethical on part of the psychologist to not keep abreast with the HIPPA rules and charge his/her patient.

4. True

As a consultant to the hospital organisation, the organisational psychologist was ethical in his action of charging the necessary remuneration for his services.