Question 1

Who oversees and accredits clinical training programs and internship facilities?

Accepted Answer

The APA Education and Training Board Committee on Accreditation is the organization that oversees and accredits clinical training programs and internship facilities for doctoral-level psychology programs. State licensing boards typically oversee licensing for psychologists, but they may not necessarily accredit training programs. The same agency that accredits the college or university housing the program may not necessarily be the accrediting body for the clinical training program. The Professional Psychology training association is not a recognized accrediting body for clinical training programs.

Question 2

Which of the following was NOT a lasting outcome of the Vail Conference?

Accepted Answer

The Vail Conference did not result in persons at the master's level being considered professional psychologists as this distinction typically requires a doctoral degree in psychology.

Question 3

Which of the following is a good source for consultation about ethical concerns for professional clinicians?

Accepted Answer

All the options listed can be valuable sources for consultation about ethical concerns. Professional journals and books provide researched information, colleagues can offer practical insights and experiences, and malpractice insurance companies can provide guidance on legal and ethical standards.

Question 4

The laws that provide for psychologists to be reimbursed for mental health treatment are called

Accepted Answer

The answer of The laws that provide for psychologists to...

Question 5

In many states the Tarasoff ruling has had the effect of

Accepted Answer

The Tarasoff ruling has had the effect of requiring clinicians to violate confidentiality in certain circumstances to protect potential victims from harm, and imposing a "duty to warn" on clinicians. This ruling has also raised questions about a "duty to warn" when working with individuals with HIV/AIDS who may pose a risk of transmitting the virus to others. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of professional regulation?

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of professional regulation is to protect the public from unauthorized or incompetent practice of psychology. This is achieved by establishing standards of education, training, and competency for professionals, providing mechanisms for disciplinary action against those who violate these standards, and providing resources for consumers to report and seek redress for unethical or illegal behavior. The other options listed may be secondary functions of professional regulation, but they are not the primary purpose.

Question 7

Licensure laws

Accepted Answer

Licensure laws both restrict the use of the term psychologist and define the activities allowed to be performed by psychologists. These laws vary by state and are intended to ensure that licensed psychologists meet specific education and training requirements and adhere to ethical and professional standards in their practice.

Question 8

Most malpractice (professional liability) claims against psychologists are for

Accepted Answer

Most malpractice claims against psychologists are for ineffective treatment, failure to consult, or failure to refer. This is because psychologists have a duty to provide competent services to their clients and failure to do so can result in harm to the client and a malpractice claim. While sexual intimacy/harassment/misconduct can also result in malpractice claims, they are less common. Libel/slander and custody disputes may result in legal action but are not considered malpractice claims against psychologists.

Question 9

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Accepted Answer

HIPAA is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of individuals' health information, including mental health information. Psychologists are required to comply with HIPAA regulations when they create, maintain, transmit, or receive protected health information (PHI) for clients.

Answer: C 
 HIPAA applies to all healthcare providers, including mental health professionals. Even if a psychologist does not bill insurance companies, they may still be required to comply with HIPAA regulations if their clients' health information is transmitted electronically or if they interact with other healthcare providers who do bill insurance companies.

Answer: D 
 This statement is incorrect. Although the Ethics Code also addresses confidentiality, HIPAA regulations provide additional requirements and protections for individuals' health information. Psychologists are responsible for complying with both HIPAA and the Ethics Code when addressing confidentiality and privacy concerns in their practice.

Question 10

The Mental Health Parity Act

Accepted Answer

The Mental Health Parity Act resulted in the establishment of insurance panels, which are groups of mental health professionals who are approved by insurance companies to provide covered services. The act does apply to managed care programs, but it does not make utilization reviews unnecessary.

Question 11

As compared to PsyD programs, PhD programs

Accepted Answer

PhD programs generally have more funding available for their students, including financial aid and research assistantships, than PsyD programs.

Question 12

Most disciplinary actions against psychologists involve

Accepted Answer

According to research, sexual misconduct is the most common reason for disciplinary actions against psychologists. Other reasons, such as financial misrepresentation, licensure problems, and poor recordkeeping, are also factors, but they are less common.

Question 13

Which model of psychology do the textbook authors consider "the champ?"

Accepted Answer

According to the textbook authors, the scientist-practitioner model is considered "the champ" because it emphasizes the integration of science and practice and places equal importance on both. This model is widely accepted in the field of psychology and is taught in most graduate programs.

Question 14

Which of the following would NOT be covered by the Ethics Code?

Accepted Answer

The Ethics Code outlines guidelines for ethical behavior in the practice of psychology. While issues of privacy and confidentiality, advertising, and fee structures are all relevant to ethical behavior in psychology, office design standards are not specifically addressed in the code.

Question 15

Outcome research on the various training models for clinicians

Accepted Answer

There is limited research comparing the clinical effectiveness of graduates from different training models, so the answer is C. While there may be some studies that suggest benefits for certain models, there is not enough consistent evidence to support any particular model as superior. The answer B is incorrect because there are some studies that have found differences between training models. The answer D is misleading because while there may be some research on the pros and cons of different models, the question specifically asks about outcome research related to clinical effectiveness.

Question 16

Ramon is a clinical psychologist.To avoid malpractice lawsuits, he should

Accepted Answer

Ramon should avoid violating ethical standards, act with the highest level of professional integrity, and avoid violating any laws governing mental health treatment in order to avoid malpractice lawsuits. It is important for psychologists to maintain a high level of ethical conduct and adhere to legal regulations in order to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients. Failing to do so can result in harm to clients and legal consequences for the psychologist. Therefore, it is important for Ramon to take all necessary precautions to avoid malpractice lawsuits.

Question 17

Which of the following did the Shakow report consider important issues for clinical training?

Accepted Answer

The Shakow report considered all of the options listed as important issues for clinical training. The report emphasized the importance of training clinical psychologists as psychologists first and foremost, but also stressed the importance of rigorous training and preparation for assessment, research, and therapy.

Question 18

When psychologists behave in an unethical manner, they are subject to censure by

Accepted Answer

Psychologists can be subject to censure by local, state, and national organizations for behaving unethically. Local organizations, such as a state psychology association, may have their own code of ethics and disciplinary procedures. State organizations, such as a state licensing board, have the authority to discipline psychologists, including revoking their license to practice. National organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, also have a code of ethics and can censure or expel members who violate ethical standards. Therefore, the correct answer is D, all of the above.

Question 19

Which of the following distinguishes PsyD programs from PhD programs in many cases?

Accepted Answer

PsyD programs are typically more focused on clinical skills and professional development rather than research, and many do not require a research-oriented dissertation or a master's thesis. These distinctions set them apart from traditional PhD programs, which place a greater emphasis on research and often require significant original research projects as part of their curriculum.

Question 20

What do the authors of the text believe is the single most important goal of training clinicians?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What do the authors of the text...

Quiz 15: Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology