BHP Ethical & Legal Standards in Behavioral Health 3

Question 1

The ethical principle of 'nonmaleficence' in behavioral health practice means:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding actions that cause harm or risk harm to clients

Answer

Nonmaleficence means 'do no harm' — the obligation to refrain from actions that inflict unnecessary injury or risk to clients.

Question 2

A BHP learns that a client made a specific threat to kill a named individual. Under the Tarasoff doctrine, the BHP's duty is to:

Accepted Answer

Warn the potential victim and/or law enforcement and take protective steps

Answer

The Tarasoff ruling established a 'duty to protect' third parties from credible, identifiable threats, requiring warning the potential victim and/or authorities.

Question 3

Which of the following situations requires mandatory reporting in all U.S. states?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable suspicion of current child abuse or neglect

Answer

All 50 states mandate reporting of reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect; BHPs do not need proof to report.

Question 4

A client requests a copy of their clinical records. Under HIPAA, the covered entity must generally provide access:

Accepted Answer

Within 30 days of the request (extendable once by 30 days)

Answer

HIPAA requires covered entities to provide clients access to their designated record set within 30 days, with one possible 30-day extension.

Question 5

A BHP supervisor discovers that a supervisee has been practicing outside their scope of competence. The supervisor's FIRST obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Take corrective action to protect clients while addressing the supervisee's skill deficits

Answer

Supervisors have an ethical and legal responsibility to protect clients first, then address the supervisee's competency gaps through training, closer oversight, or reassignment.

(BHP) Behavioral Health Professional Certification Practice Test

(BHP) Behavioral Health Professional Certification Practice Test

BHP Ethical & Legal Standards in Behavioral Health 3