BCIA Ethics & Professional Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: HIPAA privacy rules in the US primarily protect which type of client information?
- Billing records only
- Protected Health Information (PHI) in any form (Correct answer)
- Session recordings stored on air-gapped systems
- Only written paper records
Correct answer: Protected Health Information (PHI) in any form
HIPAA protects all forms of Protected Health Information (PHI)—electronic, written, or oral—related to an individual's past, present, or future health condition.
Question 2: When a biofeedback client reveals information suggesting imminent danger to themselves or others, the practitioner's duty is to:
- Maintain strict confidentiality and document the disclosure only
- Take reasonable steps to protect the client or third parties, including notifying authorities if necessary (Correct answer)
- Refer the client to another provider immediately and end the session
- Consult with BCIA only before taking any action
Correct answer: Take reasonable steps to protect the client or third parties, including notifying authorities if necessary
The duty to warn/protect overrides confidentiality when there is credible, imminent risk of harm to the client or an identifiable third party.
Question 3: What does 'competence' require of BCIA-certified practitioners according to ethical standards?
- Holding the highest academic degree in the field
- Providing services only within areas of education, training, and supervised experience (Correct answer)
- Completing the maximum allowable continuing education each year
- Working exclusively under physician supervision
Correct answer: Providing services only within areas of education, training, and supervised experience
Competence means limiting one's practice to areas where adequate training and supervised experience have been obtained, and seeking additional training when moving into new areas.
Question 4: If a biofeedback practitioner suspects a client is experiencing a medical emergency during a session, the first appropriate action is:
- Continue the session while calling for help
- Stop the session, ensure client safety, and activate emergency services (call 911) (Correct answer)
- Administer medication from the office supply
- Wait to see if the symptoms resolve spontaneously
Correct answer: Stop the session, ensure client safety, and activate emergency services (call 911)
Client safety is the first priority; biofeedback equipment should be disconnected, the session stopped, and emergency medical services called immediately.
Question 5: Maintaining accurate and complete client records in biofeedback practice serves which primary ethical function?
- Fulfilling insurance billing requirements only
- Ensuring continuity of care, accountability, and documentation of treatment progress (Correct answer)
- Satisfying licensing board audits only
- Providing marketing data for the practice
Correct answer: Ensuring continuity of care, accountability, and documentation of treatment progress
Thorough records document the treatment rationale, client progress, and clinical decisions, ensuring continuity of care and protecting both client and practitioner.
Question 6: Which of the following constitutes an unethical testimonial practice for a BCIA practitioner?
- Listing BCIA certification on a professional website
- Soliciting testimonials from current clients who are in a vulnerable therapeutic relationship (Correct answer)
- Publishing peer-reviewed research outcomes
- Describing evidence-based applications of biofeedback
Correct answer: Soliciting testimonials from current clients who are in a vulnerable therapeutic relationship
Soliciting testimonials from current clients exploits the power imbalance and dependency inherent in the therapeutic relationship, constituting an ethical violation.
BCIA Ethics & Professional Standards 2
HIPAA privacy rules in the US primarily protect which type of client information?