FREE EPPP Test Ethical and Legal Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

A psychologist in a rural community is treating a client for anxiety. The client, who is also the only mechanic in town, offers to waive the fee for an urgent car repair in exchange for a therapy session. Which of the following ethical considerations is MOST relevant to this situation?

Accepted Answer

Bartering and multiple relationships

Answer

This scenario involves a potential multiple relationship, specifically a bartering arrangement. According to the APA Ethics Code, Standard 6.05, psychologists may barter only when it is not clinically contraindicated and the resulting arrangement is not exploitative. Standard 3.05 on Multiple Relationships is also relevant, as the psychologist would be entering into a business relationship with a client in addition to the therapeutic one, which could impair objectivity or lead to exploitation.

Question 2

Dr. Evans, a clinical psychologist, is treating a client who reveals a specific and credible threat to harm a readily identifiable third party. According to the landmark case Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, what is Dr. Evans's primary legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

To warn the potential victim and/or notify law enforcement.

Answer

The Tarasoff case established the "duty to protect." This legal precedent requires mental health professionals to take reasonable steps to protect a potential victim when a client presents a serious danger of violence. This duty may involve warning the intended victim, notifying the police, or taking other necessary steps to prevent harm, which overrides the principle of client confidentiality in this specific circumstance.

Question 3

Which of the following is given special protection under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule and generally requires a specific client authorization for release, even for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy notes

Answer

The HIPAA Privacy Rule affords special protection to psychotherapy notes. These are defined as a psychologist's private notes that are kept separate from the rest of the client's medical record. Their disclosure generally requires a specific authorization from the client and they are not covered under the general consents for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

Question 4

A psychologist is asked to conduct a child custody evaluation. During the evaluation, the psychologist socializes with one of the parents at a local community event. This action would be considered unethical primarily because it constitutes a:

Accepted Answer

Harmful multiple relationship

Answer

Socializing with a parent involved in a custody evaluation creates a multiple relationship that could impair the psychologist's objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing their functions as a forensic evaluator. APA Ethical Standard 3.05 warns against entering into multiple relationships if they could reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm. In a forensic context like a custody evaluation, objectivity is paramount, and such a relationship compromises the integrity of the evaluation.

Question 5

The five General Principles of the APA Ethics Code are aspirational goals to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of psychology. Which principle emphasizes truthfulness, honesty, and accuracy in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Integrity

Answer

Principle C: Integrity, promotes accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the professional activities of psychologists. This principle states that psychologists do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud, subterfuge, or intentional misrepresentation of fact. The other principles relate to avoiding harm (Beneficence and Nonmaleficence), building trust (Fidelity and Responsibility), and ensuring fairness (Justice).

EPPP - Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Practice Test

EPPP - Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Practice Test

FREE EPPP Test Ethical and Legal Standards Questions and Answers