BCP Confidentiality and Informed Consent Questions and Answers

Question 1

An adult examinee's attorney contacts the psychometrist to request the examinee's raw test data for a legal proceeding.
The psychometrist has a signed release of information form from the examinee authorizing communication with the attorney.
What is the most appropriate action for the psychometrist?

Accepted Answer

Document the request and consult with the supervising psychologist to follow the clinic's protocol for releasing test data.

Answer

Immediately send the raw data to the attorney as authorized by the release form.

Answer

Refuse the request, stating that raw test data is confidential and cannot be released.

Answer

Inform the attorney that the data can only be released to another licensed psychologist with proper authorization.

Question 2

The process of obtaining informed consent for a psychometric evaluation must include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A detailed preview of the specific test questions to be asked.

Answer

A description of the nature and purpose of the assessment.

Answer

Information regarding the limits of confidentiality.

Answer

A statement that participation is voluntary and consent can be withdrawn.

Question 3

A psychometrist is working with a 14-year-old examinee whose parents have provided legal consent for the evaluation. During the initial rapport-building, the adolescent clearly states, "I don't want to be here and I'm not doing any tests." What is the psychometrist's MOST ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the adolescent's feelings, explore their concerns, and explain the evaluation process before seeking their willingness to participate (assent).

Answer

Proceed with testing because the parents have provided legal consent.

Answer

Inform the adolescent that their participation is mandatory for their parents to get the needed information.

Answer

Cancel the appointment immediately and inform the parents of their child's refusal.

Question 4

Which of the following situations represents a mandatory exception to confidentiality that a psychometrist must report to their supervisor and/or appropriate authorities?

Accepted Answer

An examinee makes a credible, specific threat of serious physical harm to their ex-spouse.

Answer

An adult examinee admits to having committed insurance fraud five years ago.

Answer

An examinee's parent calls to demand their adult child's test results.

Answer

An examinee reveals they are in the country without legal documentation.

Question 5

After an assessment, a psychometrist is discussing the case with their supervising psychologist in the supervisor's private office. To maintain confidentiality, this discussion should primarily focus on:

Accepted Answer

Information directly relevant to the referral question, scoring, and behavioral observations.

Answer

Interesting but irrelevant personal stories the examinee shared during rapport building.

Answer

The psychometrist's personal opinions about the examinee's family members.

Answer

A comparison of the examinee's performance to other patients the psychometrist has recently tested.

Question 6

A psychometrist discovers that a file containing an examinee's full name and completed test protocol was accidentally left in a shared office space and was seen by an unauthorized administrative staff member. According to HIPAA, what is the most critical IMMEDIATE action for the psychometrist?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify their supervising psychologist or the clinic's designated Privacy Officer of the breach.

Answer

Wait to see if the administrative staff member mentions it before taking action.

Answer

Ask the administrative staff member to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Answer

Shred the protocol and create a new one from memory to secure the data.