Addiction Medicine Certification Ethics & Professional Standards 2

Question 1

A patient in your addiction medicine practice discloses that they are a truck driver who has been using opioids without a prescription. What is the most ethically appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Explore the safety implications with the patient and counsel them on the risks and legal obligations

Answer

The clinician should first explore the situation with the patient, balancing confidentiality with public safety duties and guiding the patient toward safe, legal behavior.

Question 2

Which ethical principle is MOST directly violated when a physician accepts gifts from pharmaceutical companies in exchange for prescribing their addiction medications?

Accepted Answer

Fidelity and conflict of interest avoidance

Answer

Accepting gifts creates a conflict of interest that undermines the physician's fidelity to the patient's best interests over financial gain.

Question 3

A colleague confides that they have relapsed on alcohol but insists they are still competent to practice. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the colleague to self-report to the state physician health program

Answer

Encouraging self-referral to a Physician Health Program (PHP) protects the impaired colleague and patients while offering a supportive, confidential pathway.

Question 4

Under 42 CFR Part 2, patient records from substance use disorder programs may be disclosed without patient consent in which of the following circumstances?

Accepted Answer

To a treating physician in a general hospital emergency situation involving immediate threat to life

Answer

42 CFR Part 2 permits disclosure without consent in a medical emergency that poses an immediate threat to the patient's life.

Question 5

A patient with opioid use disorder requests that you not document their diagnosis in the medical record to avoid insurance discrimination. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that accurate documentation is a legal and ethical obligation, but discuss protections available under HIPAA and ADA

Answer

Accurate documentation is a professional and legal requirement, but the clinician should educate the patient on legal protections against discrimination.

Addiction Medicine Certification Practice Test

Addiction Medicine Certification Practice Test

Addiction Medicine Certification Ethics & Professional Standards 2