Ethics & Professional Standards Flashcards

A BHP practicing telehealth must be aware that licensure laws generally require the clinician to be licensed in:

Answer: The state where the client is physically located during the session

Telehealth practice is generally governed by the state where the client is physically located, requiring clinicians to hold licensure in that state.

Which term describes a client's right to make free, voluntary decisions about their own treatment without undue pressure from the clinician?

Answer: Autonomy

Autonomy is the ethical principle that clients have the right to self-determination and to make informed decisions about their own care.

A BHP accepts expensive gifts from a client on multiple occasions. This practice most directly raises concerns about:

Answer: Boundary violations and dual relationships

Accepting expensive gifts creates boundary violations that compromise the objectivity and therapeutic integrity of the professional relationship.

Under the Tarasoff duty-to-warn doctrine, a BHP is obligated to take action when a client:

Answer: Makes a specific, credible threat of violence against an identifiable person

The Tarasoff ruling established a duty to protect identifiable third parties when a client makes a specific, credible threat of violence against them.

A BHP realizes midway through treatment that the client's presenting issues exceed the clinician's scope of competence. The ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Obtain appropriate consultation or refer to a qualified provider

Scope of competence requires BHPs to recognize their limitations and obtain supervision, consultation, or refer clients to more qualified providers when needed.

Which of the following scenarios represents an appropriate exception to confidentiality?

Answer: A client discloses active suicidal ideation with a specific plan

Imminent risk of harm to self or others is a well-established exception to confidentiality that permits — and may require — disclosure to prevent harm.

A BHP is asked to provide testimony as a fact witness in a case involving a former client. Before testifying, the BHP should first:

Answer: Obtain a valid release of information or court order before disclosing PHI

Privilege and confidentiality survive termination of the therapeutic relationship; a valid release or court order is required before disclosing protected health information in legal proceedings.