Question

1) 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.

2) 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.

3)  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. The scenario is unethical(FALSE)

Explanation- Because as per the scenario , the Client should have completed the landscaping work within two months time period ,but he failed in his commttment

2.The scenario is Unethical(FALSE)

Explanation- Because the Psychologist was charging undue fees from the client unknowingly.But he would have been aware of the existing law and regulations

3. The scenario is Ethical(TRUE)

Explanation- There is nothing wrong in the payment schedule