BCP Confidentiality and Informed Consent Questions and Answers

Question 1

An adult examinee's attorney contacts the psychometrist to request the examinee's raw test data for a legal proceeding. The psychometrist has a signed release of information form from the examinee authorizing communication with the attorney. What is the most appropriate action for the psychometrist?

Accepted Answer

Document the request and consult with the supervising psychologist to follow the clinic's protocol for releasing test data.

Answer

While a release of information is necessary, the psychometrist's primary responsibility is to follow established clinic protocols and act under supervision. Releasing raw test data involves complex legal and ethical considerations, including test security and potential misuse, which must be handled by the supervising psychologist.

Question 2

The process of obtaining informed consent for a psychometric evaluation must include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A detailed preview of the specific test questions to be asked.

Answer

Providing specific test questions beforehand would invalidate the test results by violating standardization. The other options are core components of informed consent, ensuring the examinee understands the evaluation's purpose, their rights, and the privacy of their information.

Question 3

A psychometrist is working with a 14-year-old examinee whose parents have provided legal consent for the evaluation. During the initial rapport-building, the adolescent clearly states, "I don't want to be here and I'm not doing any tests." What is the psychometrist's MOST ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the adolescent's feelings, explore their concerns, and explain the evaluation process before seeking their willingness to participate (assent).

Answer

Ethical practice requires psychometrists to seek and respect the assent of minors, which is their affirmative agreement to participate. While parents provide legal consent, forcing a reluctant adolescent to test is ethically questionable and can compromise rapport and test validity. The best approach is to engage the adolescent, address their concerns, and seek their cooperation.

Question 4

Which of the following situations represents a mandatory exception to confidentiality that a psychometrist must report to their supervisor and/or appropriate authorities?

Accepted Answer

An examinee makes a credible, specific threat of serious physical harm to their ex-spouse.

Answer

Psychological professionals have a "duty to protect" potential victims from harm. A credible and specific threat of violence against an identifiable person is a primary limit to confidentiality, often referred to as the Tarasoff duty, and requires action to protect the potential victim.

Question 5

After an assessment, a psychometrist is discussing the case with their supervising psychologist in the supervisor's private office. To maintain confidentiality, this discussion should primarily focus on:

Accepted Answer

Information directly relevant to the referral question, scoring, and behavioral observations.

Answer

Ethical and professional communication, even in a confidential supervisory context, should be purposeful and limited to information germane to the professional service being provided. This is known as the "minimum necessary" standard, which protects patient privacy by restricting discussion to only what is needed for clinical purposes.

(BCP) Board Certified Psychometrist Practice Test

(BCP) Board Certified Psychometrist Practice Test

BCP Confidentiality and Informed Consent Questions and Answers