ASPPB Ethical Standards & Professional Conduct 5

Question 1

A psychologist is asked by a client to write a letter supporting their emotional support animal (ESA) for housing. The psychologist has only met with the client twice. The most ethical approach is to:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough assessment to support the documentation with clinical validity

Answer

Write the letter immediately to support the client's stated need

Answer

Decline under all circumstances as ESA letters are outside scope

Answer

Refer the client to a psychiatrist for the letter instead

Question 2

Under ASPPB's Model Act, which behavior would most clearly constitute unprofessional conduct warranting disciplinary action?

Accepted Answer

Billing for services not rendered

Answer

Maintaining detailed session notes beyond the required retention period

Answer

Requiring payment before releasing records in non-emergency situations

Answer

Using a sliding fee scale without advertising it

Question 3

A psychologist who practices in a rural area is the only mental health provider within 50 miles. A potential client is also an acquaintance. The psychologist should:

Accepted Answer

Proceed with treatment after carefully considering potential risks and documenting the decision

Answer

Refuse to treat the client under any circumstances to avoid dual relationships

Answer

Treat the client only if the acquaintance relationship is casual

Answer

Require the client to travel to an urban area for services

Question 4

Which action best exemplifies the ethical standard of fidelity in professional psychology?

Accepted Answer

Honoring commitments made to clients, colleagues, and the profession

Answer

Charging competitive market rates for services

Answer

Achieving positive outcomes in most treated cases

Answer

Publishing research in peer-reviewed journals

Question 5

A client who was previously seen for depression contacts a psychologist asking to restart treatment after a 3-year gap. The psychologist should treat this as:

Accepted Answer

A new client intake requiring updated assessment and a new informed consent process

Answer

A continuation of the original treatment plan without reassessment

Answer

A low-priority referral since the client has demonstrated prior success

Answer

An automatic readmission requiring only a brief phone screening

Question 6

The ASPPB Code of Conduct specifically addresses 'record keeping' by requiring that records be maintained to:

Accepted Answer

Facilitate the continuity and quality of care and protect client welfare

Answer

Maximize billing accuracy and insurance reimbursement

Answer

Provide legal protection for the psychologist in malpractice suits only

Answer

Satisfy employer documentation quotas

Question 7

A psychologist who provides expert witness testimony that they know is scientifically unsupported because it favors the retaining attorney's case is violating which ethical standard?

Accepted Answer

Integrity, by misrepresenting scientific knowledge

Answer

Competence, by practicing outside their area of expertise

Answer

Confidentiality, by disclosing client information in court

Answer

Beneficence, by failing to benefit the retaining party