Confidentiality in School Psychology: Protecting Student Privacy

Question 1

According to FERPA, who is **NOT** typically considered school personnel and therefore **NOT** bound by its confidentiality rules?

Accepted Answer

Contracted therapist

Answer

Guidance counselor

Answer

Educational diagnostician

Answer

School nurse

Question 2

Which law does NOT directly relate to protecting student confidentiality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act)

Answer

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Answer

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

Question 3

To maintain confidentiality in a school setting, which action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Discussing a student's behavior with their parents

Answer

Displaying student grades on a public bulletin board

Answer

Leaving student records unattended on a desk

Answer

Including student names in research articles without their consent

Question 4

Which action by a school psychologist would violate ethical guidelines for maintaining confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing a student's mental health diagnosis to a teacher without the student's consent.

Answer

Discussing a student's personal information with other professionals involved in the student's care, with the student's consent.

Answer

Sharing a student's test scores with their parents.

Answer

Keeping a student's file locked in a secure cabinet.

Question 5

Which of the following is an exception to the duty of confidentiality in school psychology?

Accepted Answer

When the student poses an immediate danger to themselves or others

Answer

When the student's parents or guardians request the information

Answer

When the student turns 18

Question 6

Which of the following is an exception to the duty of confidentiality for school psychologists?

Accepted Answer

Suspected child abuse

Accepted Answer

Threat to harm oneself or others

Accepted Answer

Court order

Answer

Parental consent

Question 7

Which federal law specifically protects the privacy of students' educational records?

Accepted Answer

FERPA

Answer

HIPAA

Answer

IDEA

Answer

NCLB

Question 8

What is the main purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the privacy of health information

Answer

To ensure the quality of healthcare

Answer

To lower the cost of healthcare

Answer

To increase accessibility to healthcare

Question 9

How do cultural factors affect the interpretation and application of confidentiality principles in school psychology?

Accepted Answer

Cultural factors can influence students' perceptions and disclosure of information, as well as their expectations regarding confidentiality.

Answer

Cultural factors have no impact on confidentiality principles in school psychology.

Answer

Cultural factors should only be considered when working with students from minority cultural groups.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT considered protected student information under FERPA?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare records

Answer

Academic performance records

Answer

Disciplinary records

Answer

Demographic information

Question 11

In what situation can a school psychologist disclose student information to a parent or guardian without explicit consent?

Accepted Answer

In the event of an emergency

Answer

If the student reaches the age of 18

Answer

If the parent or guardian is a mandatory reporter

Answer

Under no circumstances

Question 12

Under FERPA, which of the following is NOT an exception to the confidentiality of student information?

Accepted Answer

For research purposes

Answer

In response to a court order

Answer

With parental consent

Answer

To prevent harm to the student or others

Question 13

Which of these actions violates ethical and legal guidelines for maintaining student confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Sharing student information without parental consent

Answer

Using secure digital record-keeping systems

Answer

Storing paper records in a secure location

Answer

Destroying records with sensitive information when no longer needed

Question 14

Which of the following situations allows school psychologists to disclose student records without violating FERPA?

Accepted Answer

With parental consent

Accepted Answer

To school officials with a legitimate educational interest

Accepted Answer

To protect the health or safety of the student or others

Answer

To law enforcement officials without a subpoena

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a principle of confidentiality outlined in FERPA?

Accepted Answer

Students under the age of 18 do not have the right to access their own records.

Answer

Student records must be kept secure and protected from unauthorized access.

Answer

Parents have the right to inspect and review their child's educational records.

Answer

School officials with a legitimate educational interest may have access to student records.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of violating confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced trust in the school psychologist by students and families

Answer

Suspension or revocation of professional license

Answer

Civil penalties, such as fines or damages

Answer

Criminal charges, including imprisonment

Question 17

What is the primary principle of HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information

Answer

Ensuring that all patients have access to quality healthcare

Answer

Promoting the efficient use of healthcare resources

Answer

Encouraging patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making

Question 18

In a case where a student discloses information about child abuse, the school psychologist's primary responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the abuse to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Seek the student's consent before reporting

Answer

Document the disclosure in the student's record

Answer

Maintain confidentiality

Question 19

How do cultural norms and values influence the application of confidentiality principles in school psychology?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and values can shape beliefs about privacy and confidentiality.

Answer

Cultural factors have no impact on the implementation of confidentiality principles in school psychology.

Answer

Cultural factors only affect the interpretation of confidentiality principles.

Answer

Confidentiality principles are universally accepted and applied across all cultures.

Question 20

FERPA stands for:

Accepted Answer

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Answer

Freedom of Education Rights and Privacy Act

Answer

Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act

Answer

Family Education Rights and Personal Information Act

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a type of information protected under FERPA?

Accepted Answer

Medical records

Answer

Grades

Answer

Disciplinary records

Answer

Student schedules

Question 22

HIPAA stands for:

Accepted Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Answer

Health Information Privacy and Accountability Act

Answer

Health Information Portability and Assessment Act

Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Assurance Act

Question 23

Which factor is irrelevant when deciding whether to release student information?

Accepted Answer

Cost of releasing the information

Answer

Purpose of the request

Answer

Potential harm to the student

Answer

Student's maturity level

Question 24

True or False: School psychologists are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of confidentiality in school psychology?

Accepted Answer

Breaking confidentiality in cases of potential harm to the student or others

Answer

Preserving the privacy of student information

Answer

Sharing information only with those who have a legitimate need to know

Answer

Obtaining consent before releasing information

Question 26

When a student discloses suicidal ideation to a school psychologist, the psychologist should:

Accepted Answer

Break confidentiality to seek immediate medical attention

Answer

Maintain confidentiality

Answer

Break confidentiality to inform the student's parents

Answer

Break confidentiality to inform the school principal

Question 27

When a school psychologist suspects child abuse or neglect, they must:

Accepted Answer

Break confidentiality to report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Maintain confidentiality

Answer

Seek guidance from a supervisor or legal counsel

Answer

Consult with the student's parents before reporting

Question 28

When working with a student who has disclosed information about their sexual orientation, a school psychologist should:

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality and respect the student's privacy

Answer

Inform the student's parents without their consent

Answer

Encourage the student to disclose their sexual orientation to their peers

Answer

Refer the student to a mental health professional for further support

Question 29

Which primary component of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires parental consent before disclosing student information?

Accepted Answer

Requires parental consent before disclosing student information

Answer

Protects the privacy of students' academic records

Answer

Prohibits schools from sharing student information with law enforcement

Answer

Applies to all educational institutions receiving federal funds

Question 30

Under HIPAA, what type of information is protected?

Accepted Answer

Medical records

Answer

Financial information

Answer

Academic transcripts

Answer

Disciplinary records

Question 31

What is the ethical obligation of a school psychologist regarding confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

To protect the privacy of students

Answer

To share information with parents

Answer

To prioritize the school's interests

Answer

To report all suspected abuse

Question 32

What is the primary goal of HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

To protect the privacy of health information

Answer

To ensure the accuracy of medical records

Answer

To regulate the use of electronic health records

Answer

To prevent insurance fraud

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a covered entity under HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

Law enforcement agencies

Answer

Hospitals

Answer

Insurance companies

Answer

Schools

Question 34

According to the ethical principles governing school psychology, what is the primary obligation a school psychologist has in regard to student information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 35

What is the primary responsibility of school psychologists regarding suspected breaches of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Reporting it to their supervisor or designated authority

Answer

Investigating the matter independently

Answer

Talking directly to the student about it

Answer

Ignoring it unless they have concrete evidence

Question 36

When using technology in school psychology, which practice best ensures confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Encrypting emails and file-sharing systems

Answer

Sharing student information with colleagues without parental consent

Answer

Storing student data on personal laptops or devices

Answer

Disclosing student information to the police without a court order

Question 37

When faced with a conflict between confidentiality and other ethical or legal obligations, what steps should a school psychologist take in the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Consult with colleagues, supervisors, and legal counsel as needed; consider the potential benefits and risks of disclosure; and document the decision-making process.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality without exception, as it is the primary ethical obligation.

Answer

Seek legal advice before making any decisions.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT considered protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

Student grades

Answer

Student mental health evaluations

Answer

Student immunization records

Answer

Student medical records

Question 39

When a school psychologist shares student information with another school professional, such as a teacher or counselor, this is considered:

Accepted Answer

An implied consent release

Answer

A breach of confidentiality

Answer

A dual relationship

Answer

A written consent release

Question 40

Which of the following is a best practice for maintaining confidentiality in the school setting?

Accepted Answer

Storing student records in a secure location

Answer

Sharing student information with parents without their consent

Answer

Discussing student information with colleagues in public areas

Answer

Using social media to communicate with students

Question 41

The ethical principle of confidentiality is based on:

Accepted Answer

Respect for the student's privacy

Answer

The severity of the student's problems

Answer

The school district's policies and procedures

Answer

The student's age and maturity level

Question 42

Which of the following is a potential consequence of breaching confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Loss of trust and credibility

Answer

Improved communication with parents

Answer

Enhanced student outcomes

Answer

Increased student referrals

Question 43

Which of the following is a type of indirect confidentiality breach?

Accepted Answer

Discussing a student's case in a general staff meeting without using their name

Answer

Sharing a student's records with a parent

Answer

Talking to a student about their case in a public place

Question 44

A school psychologist can disclose student information to other school personnel on a need-to-know basis when:

Accepted Answer

The information is necessary for the student's educational or therapeutic benefit

Answer

The student specifically requests the release of the information

Answer

The school district requires the release of the information

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT considered protected health information (PHI) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

Accepted Answer

Student's Name

Answer

Student's medical records

Answer

Student's insurance information

Answer

Student's mental health diagnosis

Question 46

A school psychologist is legally required to break confidentiality in which of the following situations?

Accepted Answer

When the student poses an imminent danger to themselves or others

Answer

When the student's parents request access to the student's records

Answer

When the student is suspected of committing a minor offense

Question 47

Which of the following is a best practice for maintaining confidentiality in the school setting?

Accepted Answer

Store student records in a locked cabinet

Answer

Share student information with other staff members without their consent

Answer

Discuss student information in public areas

Question 48

When a student discloses information to a school psychologist that suggests they are being abused, the school psychologist is required to:

Accepted Answer

Report the abuse to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Inform the student's parents

Answer

Seek consultation with another professional

Answer

Keep the information confidential

Question 49

Which of the following is a potential consequence of violating confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Loss of trust and credibility

Answer

Promotion to a higher position

Answer

Improved relationships with students

Answer

Increased job satisfaction

Question 50

The principle of confidentiality applies to all information about a student, including:

Accepted Answer

Academic records, disciplinary incidents, and psychological evaluations

Answer

Only academic records

Answer

Only behavior observations

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT a reason for breaking confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

To improve a student's behavior

Answer

To protect the student from harm

Answer

To comply with a court order

Answer

To obtain consent from the student's parents

Question 52

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the confidentiality of student records at:

Accepted Answer

All educational institutions that receive federal funding

Answer

Private schools only

Answer

Public schools only