FREE EPPP Test Ethical & Legal Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

A psychologist receives a subpoena demanding the psychotherapy records of a former client.
The client has not provided consent for the release of these records.
What is the most appropriate first step for the psychologist to take?

Accepted Answer

Contact the client to discuss the subpoena and obtain consent or discuss options.

Answer

Immediately send the records to the court, as a subpoena is a legal order.

Answer

Inform the attorney who issued the subpoena that the psychologist cannot release the records without a court order.

Answer

Seek legal counsel for the psychologist's own protection before taking any action.

Question 2

Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding the ethical obligations of psychologists concerning informed consent for psychological services?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists must ensure clients understand the nature, anticipated course, fees, third-party involvement, and limits of confidentiality.

Answer

Informed consent must be obtained in writing for all services, without exception.

Answer

Minors cannot provide informed consent; only their legal guardians can.

Answer

Once obtained, informed consent is valid indefinitely for all future services with the same client.

Question 3

A psychologist practicing in a rural community begins to provide therapy to a new client. After a few sessions, the psychologist discovers that the client is also a close family friend of the psychologist's spouse, creating an unavoidable social connection outside of therapy. What is the most ethically appropriate action for the psychologist to take?

Accepted Answer

Discuss the dual relationship with the client, explore potential impacts, and if necessary, facilitate a referral.

Answer

Continue therapy, being careful to maintain strict professional boundaries within sessions.

Answer

Immediately terminate therapy and refer the client, citing the dual relationship.

Answer

Minimize contact with the client outside of therapy to avoid the appearance of a dual relationship.

Question 4

Under what circumstances is it generally permissible for a psychologist to breach client confidentiality without explicit client consent?

Accepted Answer

When there is a clear and imminent danger to the client or identifiable others.

Answer

When the client expresses feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Answer

When a colleague requests information for research purposes.

Answer

When the client falls behind on payment for services.

Question 5

A psychologist is asked to provide a forensic evaluation of a parent in a child custody case. The psychologist has previously provided individual therapy to the child involved in the case. What ethical principle is most directly challenged by this request?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

Answer

Fidelity and Responsibility

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Justice

Question 6

According to the APA Ethics Code, when a psychologist is faced with a conflict between ethics and law, what is the primary course of action?

Accepted Answer

Attempt to resolve the conflict in a way that adheres to the Ethics Code and, where feasible, the law.

Answer

Always follow the law, even if it conflicts with ethical principles.

Answer

Prioritize the ethical principles over legal requirements.

Answer

Consult with a legal representative and proceed based solely on their advice.

A psychologist receives a subpoena demanding the psychotherapy records of a former client.The client has not provided consent for the release of these records.What is the most appropriate first step for the psychologist to take?

A psychologist receives a subpoena demanding the psychotherapy records of a former client.
The client has not provided consent for the release of these records.
What is the most appropriate first step for the psychologist to take?