California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What should a therapist do to avoid breaches of confidentiality?

1. Share all recorded sessions with peers

2. Keep, store, and transfer records securely

3. Discuss client details in public forums

4. Delete all records after therapy ends

The correct answer is: Keep, store, and transfer records securely

To avoid breaches of confidentiality, a therapist must keep, store, and transfer client records securely. This is crucial because confidentiality is a fundamental ethical obligation in therapy. Proper storage methods, such as using secure facilities, locked cabinets, and encrypted digital storage, protect sensitive client information from unauthorized access. Additionally, when transferring records, using secure methods like encrypted emails or secure file-sharing platforms ensures that client data remains private and is not intercepted or accessed by unintended parties. Maintaining strict record-keeping protocols is essential in order to uphold client trust and comply with both legal and ethical standards, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States. This consistent approach to confidentiality allows clients to feel safe sharing personal information, which is vital for effective therapeutic work. The other options would directly compromise client confidentiality. For example, sharing recorded sessions with peers can expose private information to individuals who are not part of the therapeutic process, thereby violating confidentiality agreements. Discussing client details in public forums is a blatant breach of privacy, and deleting all records after therapy ends may prevent necessary follow-up care or compliance with legal requirements concerning record retention. Hence, securely managing client records is the most effective and responsible practice to safeguard confidentiality.