Confidentiality And Privacy Issues

1.

Confidentiality refers to the...

A.

Absolute right (with no exceptions) to freedom from unnecessary intrusion in our lives
B.

Right of patients, under all circumstances, to keep information out of court
C.

Promise on the part of psychologists/social workers to keep information private
D.

All of the above

Correct Answer
C. Promise on the part of psychologists/social workers to keep information private

Explanation
Confidentiality refers to the promise on the part of psychologists/social workers to keep information private. This means that professionals in these fields have an obligation to protect the privacy and confidentiality of their clients. They are expected to maintain the confidentiality of any information shared during therapy or counseling sessions, unless there are specific legal or ethical exceptions that require them to disclose information. This ensures that clients can trust that their personal information will not be shared without their consent, fostering a safe and supportive environment for therapy.

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2.

A psychologist who violated the rules regarding patient confidentiality could be...

A.

Disciplined by an ethics committee
B.

Disciplined by the state board of psychology
C.

Sued in malpractice court
D.

All of the above

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
If a psychologist violates the rules regarding patient confidentiality, they could face disciplinary action by an ethics committee, which is responsible for upholding professional standards. Additionally, they could also be disciplined by the state board of psychology, which regulates the practice of psychology in the specific state. Lastly, they could be sued in malpractice court by the affected patient or their family for breaching confidentiality. Therefore, all of the options mentioned - being disciplined by an ethics committee, being disciplined by the state board of psychology, and being sued in malpractice court - are possible consequences for violating patient confidentiality.

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3.

The responsibility for ensuring confidentiality in an office rests with...

A.

The patients
B.

The privacy officer alone
C.

All staff
D.

Only psychologists or social workers

Correct Answer
C. All staff

Explanation
All staff in an office have a responsibility to ensure confidentiality. This is because maintaining confidentiality is crucial in maintaining trust and privacy for both patients and employees. All staff members, regardless of their role or position, should be aware of and follow the necessary protocols and guidelines to protect sensitive information. This collective effort ensures that confidentiality is upheld and reduces the risk of any breaches or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

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4.

The rules for confidentiality can be found in...

A.

The APA Code of Ethics
B.

The regulations of the State Board of Psychology
C.

HIPPAA's Privacy Rule
D.

All of the above

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because the rules for confidentiality can be found in all three sources mentioned. The APA Code of Ethics provides guidelines for psychologists to maintain confidentiality with their clients. The regulations of the State Board of Psychology also outline confidentiality requirements that psychologists must adhere to. Additionally, HIPPAA's Privacy Rule sets standards for protecting individuals' medical information and includes provisions for maintaining confidentiality. Therefore, all three sources contain rules and regulations regarding confidentiality.

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5.

The Privacy Notice MUST be given to patients...

A.

At the time they start treatment (except in emergencies)
B.

Along with an informed consent document
C.

As soon as they call on the phone and ask for their first appointment
D.

At the end of treatment

Correct Answer
A. At the time they start treatment (except in emergencies)

Explanation
The Privacy Notice must be given to patients at the time they start treatment (except in emergencies) because it is important for patients to be informed about how their personal health information will be used and protected. By providing the Privacy Notice at the beginning of treatment, patients have the opportunity to understand their rights and make informed decisions about their healthcare. In emergencies, it may not be possible to provide the Privacy Notice immediately, but it should still be given as soon as possible to ensure that patients are aware of their privacy rights.

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6.

Social Workers must turn over records in response to a...

A.

Subpoena
B.

Court order
C.

Verbal request from a physician
D.

None of the above

Correct Answer
B. Court order

Explanation
Social Workers are required to maintain client confidentiality and protect their privacy. However, in certain circumstances, they may be legally obligated to disclose records. A court order is a legally binding directive issued by a judge, requiring the Social Worker to turn over records. This ensures that the disclosure is authorized by the court and protects the rights of the client. Subpoenas and verbal requests from physicians do not carry the same legal weight as a court order, and therefore, do not require Social Workers to turn over records.

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7.

What are some ways that patient information may accidentally get leaked in an office?

A.

Charts are left unattended on desks
B.

Patients accidentally look into the appointment book
C.

Conversations in private offices "leak" into the waiting room
D.

All of the above

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
All of the options listed in the question can contribute to patient information accidentally getting leaked in an office. Leaving charts unattended on desks can allow unauthorized individuals to access sensitive information. Patients accidentally looking into the appointment book can expose other patients' personal details. Conversations in private offices leaking into the waiting room can also result in the disclosure of confidential information. Therefore, all of these scenarios pose a risk of patient information leakage.

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8.

Staff should not reveal identifying information about patients outside of the office except for professional purposes and a patient authorization or legal justification.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Staff should not reveal identifying information about patients outside of the office except for professional purposes and a patient authorization or legal justification. This is to ensure patient confidentiality and protect their privacy rights. Sharing patient information without proper authorization or justification can lead to breaches of privacy, potential harm to the patient, and legal consequences for the staff member and the organization. Therefore, it is important for staff to adhere to this principle and only disclose patient information when necessary and authorized.

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9.

A Privacy Notice may be given at the same time as an informed consent form, although the forms must be separate.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
A Privacy Notice is a document that outlines how an organization collects, uses, and protects personal information. It is important to provide individuals with this information to ensure transparency and to comply with privacy laws. Giving a Privacy Notice along with an informed consent form ensures that individuals are fully informed about how their personal information will be used and gives them the opportunity to make an informed decision about providing their consent. However, it is necessary for the Privacy Notice and the informed consent form to be separate documents to avoid any confusion or ambiguity.

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10.

A hospital must provide a patient with a new Privacy Notice for every health provider that delivers services to them.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
A hospital does not need to provide a patient with a new Privacy Notice for every health provider that delivers services to them. Instead, the hospital is responsible for providing a Privacy Notice that covers all of the health providers within its network or that are affiliated with the hospital. This ensures that the patient is informed about how their personal health information is being handled and protected by all the providers they may encounter during their care.

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