EPPP Test Ethical and Legal Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

A psychologist receives a subpoena from an attorney to produce a client's therapy records. The psychologist has not received consent from the client to release the information. What is the psychologist's most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Contact the client, inform them of the subpoena, and seek their consent to release the records.

Answer

The psychologist's primary ethical and legal obligation is to protect client confidentiality. The first step upon receiving a subpoena is to contact the client, discuss the situation and the potential implications of releasing or not releasing the records, and determine the client's wishes. A subpoena is a legal demand, but it does not override the psychologist's duty of confidentiality without the client's consent or a court order. Simply releasing records (even a summary) without consent is a breach of confidentiality. Ignoring the subpoena is not advisable as it can lead to legal consequences.

Question 2

The APA Ethics Code is divided into General Principles and Ethical Standards. Which of the following best describes the primary difference between these two sections?

Accepted Answer

General Principles are aspirational goals that guide psychologists, while Ethical Standards are specific, enforceable rules of conduct.

Answer

The General Principles (e.g., Beneficence and Nonmaleficence, Integrity) are aspirational and intended to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of the profession. They are not enforceable rules themselves. The Ethical Standards, in contrast, set forth specific, enforceable rules for conduct. Violations of the Ethical Standards can lead to sanctions by the APA or other bodies.

Question 3

A psychologist practices in a small, isolated rural community. The psychologist's client is a baker who has just opened the only bakery in town. The psychologist's child has a severe gluten allergy, and the baker is the only person in the community who can prepare a custom, gluten-free birthday cake for the child's upcoming party. Which of the following actions is most consistent with ethical guidelines regarding multiple relationships?

Accepted Answer

Discuss the potential for a multiple relationship with the client, assess for any risk of harm or exploitation, document the discussion, and then proceed with the business transaction.

Answer

The APA Ethics Code recognizes that some multiple relationships are unavoidable, particularly in settings like small rural communities. The ethical focus is on avoiding exploitation or harm. The most appropriate course of action is to address the situation openly with the client, evaluate any potential negative impacts on the therapeutic relationship, ensure the business transaction does not create a power imbalance or harm, and document the decision-making process. Avoiding the relationship entirely may not be practical or necessary and could even harm the client if therapeutic services are limited.

Question 4

The landmark legal case of Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California established the "duty to protect." This duty requires a therapist to take reasonable steps when a client communicates a serious threat of physical violence against an identifiable victim. Which of the following actions is a primary way a psychologist can discharge this duty?

Accepted Answer

Warning the potential victim and/or notifying law enforcement.

Answer

The Tarasoff ruling established that a therapist's duty to protect may require them to breach confidentiality to protect a third party from harm. The primary and most direct ways to discharge this duty involve taking protective actions, such as warning the intended victim, notifying the police, or initiating involuntary commitment. While documenting the threat is crucial, it is not sufficient on its own. A no-harm contract can be a therapeutic tool but does not legally fulfill the duty to protect. Terminating the client would be considered abandonment and fails to address the danger.

Question 5

Dr. Lee is asked by a television news program to provide commentary on the psychological state of a defendant in a high-profile murder trial. Dr. Lee has not evaluated the defendant but has reviewed publicly available news reports and court documents. According to the APA Ethics Code, what is required for Dr. Lee to ethically provide commentary?

Accepted Answer

She must clearly state that she has not conducted an evaluation and clarify the basis and limitations of her opinions.

Answer

APA Ethical Standard 5.04 (Media Presentations) allows psychologists to provide public advice or comment. However, they must take precautions to ensure their statements are based on their professional knowledge and are consistent with the Ethics Code. Crucially, they must clarify that no professional relationship has been established and state the limitations of their opinions, especially when they have not personally evaluated the individual. It is a violation to present opinions as if they are based on a formal evaluation when one has not occurred.

EPPP - Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Practice Test

EPPP - Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Practice Test

EPPP Test Ethical and Legal Standards Questions and Answers