Legal and Ethical Standards Flashcards
7 cards from real CTP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Legal and Ethical Standards flashcards as text
A telehealth provider is asked by law enforcement for a patient's records without a subpoena. Under HIPAA, the provider should:
Answer: Evaluate whether the specific conditions for law enforcement disclosure under HIPAA are met before disclosing
HIPAA permits limited disclosures to law enforcement under specific conditions such as valid court orders or for certain public safety purposes, but providers must evaluate compliance carefully before disclosing.
A telehealth patient who is a minor seeks confidential mental health treatment. The provider should first:
Answer: Consult state law on minor consent for mental health treatment before proceeding
Minor consent laws for mental health treatment vary by state; providers must consult their state's specific statutes before determining whether parental consent is required.
What is the primary ethical obligation when a telehealth provider realizes they lack the competence to treat a patient's presenting condition via telehealth?
Answer: Refer the patient to an appropriate provider and, if needed, provide temporary support during the transition
Ethical practice requires providers to practice within their competency and to facilitate safe transitions to appropriate care when they cannot adequately serve a patient's needs.
A telehealth provider's patient describes symptoms that suggest a medical emergency. The provider cannot confirm the patient's exact address. What should the provider do?
Answer: Attempt to identify the patient's location through all available means while keeping them on the line and coordinating emergency services
Providers should establish and follow emergency protocols that include obtaining patient location information at the start of every session to enable emergency response when needed.
Which of the following actions would violate the ethical principle of non-maleficence in a telehealth context?
Answer: Providing telehealth services to a patient who clearly requires immediate in-person emergency care
Non-maleficence means avoiding harm; continuing telehealth with a patient who needs immediate in-person emergency care could cause harm by delaying necessary treatment.
A telehealth provider receives a subpoena for patient records related to a legal case. What is the appropriate first step?
Answer: Consult with legal counsel and notify the patient before disclosing, unless prohibited
Upon receiving a subpoena, providers should consult legal counsel, assess whether it meets legal requirements, and typically notify the patient so they can object before disclosure occurs.
Under the APA Ethics Code and telehealth best practices, which statement about terminating telehealth services is most accurate?
Answer: Termination should be clinically justified, with appropriate notice, referrals provided, and documentation of the reason
Ethical termination requires clinical justification, adequate notice to the patient, referrals to alternative care providers, and thorough documentation of the decision.