MFT Legal Issues 2

Question 1

A therapist suspects that a 10-year-old client is being physically abused by a parent. The child denies any abuse. What is the therapist's legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspicion to child protective services immediately

Answer

Wait for the child to disclose before reporting

Answer

Consult with the parent before making any report

Answer

Document the suspicion but delay reporting until more evidence is gathered

Question 2

Which legal doctrine protects communications between an MFT and client from disclosure in court without the client's consent?

Accepted Answer

Privileged communication

Answer

Duty to warn

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Duty to protect

Question 3

A couple divorcing subpoenas their joint therapy records. Neither spouse agrees to waive privilege. How should the therapist respond?

Accepted Answer

Assert privilege and decline to release records without a court order

Answer

Release records to both parties equally

Answer

Release records only to the spouse who initiated therapy

Answer

Release records to the court for private review

Question 4

Under HIPAA, a patient has the right to request an amendment to their medical records. Under what circumstance may a covered entity deny this request?

Accepted Answer

The provider did not create the record

Answer

The records are more than 5 years old

Answer

The patient is currently in treatment

Answer

The amendment would lengthen the record

Question 5

An MFT is seeing a 16-year-old client for substance abuse treatment. The minor's parent demands to see the therapy notes. What law primarily governs the therapist's response in a federally assisted program?

Accepted Answer

42 CFR Part 2

Answer

FERPA

Answer

HIPAA

Answer

State minor consent statutes

Question 6

A therapist receives a valid subpoena for client records. What is the correct first step?

Accepted Answer

Notify the client and consult an attorney before releasing anything

Answer

Immediately send the records to the court

Answer

Call the opposing attorney to discuss the case

Answer

Destroy the records to protect confidentiality

Question 7

Which of the following situations requires an MFT to break confidentiality regardless of client consent?

Accepted Answer

A client reveals a plan to harm a specific third party

Answer

A client discloses past criminal activity

Answer

A client admits to using recreational drugs

Answer

A client describes a previous suicide attempt from five years ago