BCP BCP Confidentiality and Informed Consent Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A psychometrist receives a subpoena requesting a client's raw test data. What is the most appropriate first step?
- Release the data immediately to comply with the subpoena
- Contact the supervising psychologist to determine the appropriate response (Correct answer)
- Destroy the test data to protect client confidentiality
- Send the data directly to the client's attorney
Correct answer: Contact the supervising psychologist to determine the appropriate response
The psychometrist should consult with the supervising psychologist before releasing any protected test data in response to a legal request.
Question 2: When obtaining informed consent for testing a minor, which statement is most accurate?
- Only the minor's verbal agreement is needed
- Consent must be obtained from the parent or legal guardian (Correct answer)
- Minors over age 12 can consent independently in all states
- Informed consent is not required for minors
Correct answer: Consent must be obtained from the parent or legal guardian
For minors, informed consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian, though assent from the minor is also recommended.
Question 3: A psychometrist accidentally leaves a client's test protocol visible on a desk where another client can see it. This is an example of:
- A intentional disclosure
- An incidental breach of confidentiality (Correct answer)
- A mandated reporting situation
- An appropriate clinical practice
Correct answer: An incidental breach of confidentiality
Leaving identifiable client information visible to unauthorized individuals constitutes an incidental breach of confidentiality, even without intent.
Question 4: Which element is NOT typically required in informed consent for psychological testing?
- The purpose of the assessment
- A guarantee of specific test outcomes (Correct answer)
- The limits of confidentiality
- The client's right to withdraw from testing
Correct answer: A guarantee of specific test outcomes
Informed consent cannot include guarantees of specific outcomes, as test results depend on individual performance and clinical interpretation.
Question 5: Under what circumstance may a psychometrist share confidential test information without the client's written authorization?
- When a colleague expresses curiosity about the case
- When there is a credible threat of imminent harm to an identifiable person (Correct answer)
- When the client's family requests the information
- When the psychometrist wants to discuss the case at a conference
Correct answer: When there is a credible threat of imminent harm to an identifiable person
Duty to warn or protect exceptions allow disclosure without authorization when there is a credible threat of imminent harm to an identifiable third party.
Question 6: A client requests that their psychological test results be sent to a new provider. What must the psychometrist ensure before releasing the records?
- That the new provider is a psychologist, not another type of clinician
- That a signed release of information form specifying the recipient is on file (Correct answer)
- That at least 30 days have passed since testing
- That the results are summarized rather than sent in full
Correct answer: That a signed release of information form specifying the recipient is on file
A valid, signed release of information specifying the recipient and the information to be shared must be obtained before transferring any client records.
BCP BCP Confidentiality and Informed Consent Questions and Answers 2
A psychometrist receives a subpoena requesting a client's raw test data.
What is the most appropriate first step?