CBHT - Certified Behavioral Health Technician Client Confidentiality and HIPAA Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is part of a treatment team meeting. Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule's 'minimum necessary' standard, which of the following actions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Accessing and discussing only the specific client information needed to contribute to the treatment plan.

Answer

Accessing the full medical history of every client being discussed to be fully prepared.

Answer

Sharing detailed, unsubstantiated personal opinions about a client's family life with the entire team.

Answer

Listening to all case discussions but only documenting information related to their assigned clients.

Question 2

A client in a residential facility tells their BHT, 'I have a plan and I'm going to seriously harm my former boss when I get out of here next week.' Which of the following is the BHT's most critical responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Immediately inform the facility's clinical supervisor or licensed professional about the threat.

Answer

Maintain strict client confidentiality above all else.

Answer

Wait to see if the client mentions the plan again before taking action.

Answer

Advise the client that making threats is not productive for their recovery.

Question 3

Under which of the following circumstances is a BHT generally permitted to disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) without a client's specific authorization?

Accepted Answer

For treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

Answer

When a client's family member calls and asks for a general update.

Answer

When a local news reporter is doing a story on the treatment facility.

Answer

When a former therapist of the client requests records out of curiosity.

Question 4

A BHT is approached by a law enforcement officer in the facility's lobby. The officer asks for the room number of a specific client. What is the BHT's most appropriate initial response?

Accepted Answer

State that they cannot confirm or deny whether that person is a client and refer the officer to a supervisor.

Answer

Provide the room number immediately to cooperate with law enforcement.

Answer

Deny that the person is a client at the facility.

Answer

Ask the officer to wait while they go ask the client for permission to share the information.

Question 5

Which of the following situations would require a BHT to act as a mandated reporter and break confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

A client discloses ongoing abuse of a child or a vulnerable adult.

Answer

An adult client admits to having used illegal drugs in the past.

Answer

A client expresses frustration and anger towards their spouse.

Answer

Two clients are overheard having a minor disagreement.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

Accepted Answer

To set national standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information.

Answer

To ensure all healthcare workers receive the same salary.

Answer

To allow insurance companies unrestricted access to all patient records.

Answer

To mandate specific treatment protocols for behavioral health conditions.