AOC Professional Ethics and Standards 2

Question 1

An orthoptist discovers that a colleague is billing insurance for services not rendered. What is the ethically required action?

Accepted Answer

Report the fraudulent billing to the appropriate authority

Answer

Billing fraud harms patients and the profession; orthoptists are ethically obligated to report it to the appropriate regulatory or legal authority.

Question 2

Which principle underlies the requirement for orthoptists to obtain informed consent before initiating treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy holds that patients have the right to make informed decisions about their own care, which requires prior disclosure and consent.

Question 3

A patient asks an orthoptist to share their vision therapy records with an attorney for a legal case. What governs this disclosure?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA authorization requirements and state privacy law

Answer

Releasing records to third parties like attorneys requires a valid HIPAA-compliant patient authorization unless a court order mandates disclosure.

Question 4

What does the ethical concept of 'professional boundaries' primarily protect in orthoptic practice?

Accepted Answer

The therapeutic relationship and patient welfare

Answer

Professional boundaries preserve the trust and safety of the patient–practitioner relationship, preventing exploitation or harm.

Question 5

An orthoptist is asked by a pharmaceutical representative to recommend a specific medication in exchange for conference sponsorship. This situation is best described as a:

Accepted Answer

Conflict of interest that must be disclosed or avoided

Answer

Accepting personal benefits in exchange for clinical recommendations creates a conflict of interest that compromises objectivity and patient welfare.

(AOC) American Orthoptic Council Practice Test

(AOC) American Orthoptic Council Practice Test

AOC Professional Ethics and Standards 2