MD Psych Juris flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Maryland Psychology Act
- The statute in Health-General Article, Title 18, that defines and regulates the practice of psychology and establishes the Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
- Unlicensed practice penalty
- Practicing psychology without a Maryland license is a misdemeanor; the Board may also seek cease-and-desist orders and injunctive relief against the unlicensed practitioner.
- Title protection
- Only licensed psychologists may use the title psychologist or any abbreviation implying licensure; misrepresentation of licensure status is a violation subject to discipline.
- Scope of practice
- Psychology practice includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, research, teaching, and consultation applying psychological principles to individuals or groups.
- Doctoral degree requirement
- Licensure requires a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent program meeting Board content requirements.
- Supervised experience hours
- Applicants must complete supervised experience hours set by COMAR, verified by supervisor attestation, before qualifying for licensure.
- EPP examination
- The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology is the national written examination required for licensure, in addition to Maryland's jurisprudence examination.
- Licensure by endorsement
- Applicants licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction may seek Maryland licensure through endorsement, subject to Board review of equivalency.
- Board composition
- The Board includes psychologist members and public members appointed by the Governor, with public members representing consumer interests.
- Grounds for discipline
- Discipline may be imposed for incompetence, gross negligence, fraud, unprofessional conduct, sexual misconduct, impairment, or violation of the Act or regulations.
- Emergency suspension
- The Board may suspend a license immediately when there is an imminent risk to public health or safety, with a hearing to follow.
- Confidentiality exception
- Disclosure without authorization is permitted for duty to warn, suspected child abuse, court order, emergencies, and certain Board or peer review proceedings.
- Valid authorization
- A release authorization must identify the information, recipient, purpose, and expiration date or event, and be signed by the client or guardian.
- Record retention
- Maryland law requires clinical records to be retained for a defined period, kept securely, and released only in compliance with the Act and HIPAA.
- Informed consent elements
- Informed consent must disclose the nature of services, fees, confidentiality limits, and the client's right to withdraw from treatment.
- Duty to protect
- When a client presents a serious threat to an identifiable victim, the psychologist must take reasonable steps such as warning the victim or notifying law enforcement.
- Minor consent
- Treatment of minors requires parental or guardian consent, with the minor's assent obtained when appropriate to the child's developmental level.
- Child abuse reporting
- Psychologists must promptly report suspected child abuse or neglect to the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement.
- Reporter immunity
- A psychologist who reports suspected abuse or neglect in good faith is immune from civil and criminal liability for the report.
- Vulnerable adult reporting
- Suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults must be reported to the appropriate adult protective services agency under Maryland law.
- Sexual misconduct prohibition
- Sexual contact with a current client is prohibited and constitutes grounds for discipline, extending for a defined period after termination.
- Multiple relationship rule
- Psychologists must avoid multiple relationships that could impair objectivity or exploit the client, and must document management when unavoidable.
- Bartering restriction
- Bartering with clients is permitted only when culturally appropriate, not exploitative, and documented in the clinical record.
- Continuing education
- Licensure renewal requires completion of continuing education hours set by the Board; failure may result in renewal denial or discipline.
- Impairment duty
- Psychologists impaired by substance abuse or mental illness must seek assistance and may be required to report impaired colleagues to protect clients.
- Competence boundary
- Psychologists must practice only within the boundaries of their competence based on education, training, experience, and cultural awareness.
- Fee disclosure
- Fee arrangements must be disclosed to clients in advance and must be consistent with informed consent requirements under Maryland law.
- Advertising accuracy
- Advertising must be accurate and not misleading; psychologists may not use testimonials or claims that create false expectations about outcomes.
- Fraudulent billing
- Billing must accurately reflect services rendered; fraudulent billing is grounds for Board discipline and may violate consumer protection law.
- Telepsychology licensure
- Psychologists must be licensed in Maryland to provide telepsychology to clients located in Maryland, unless an interstate compact or exception applies.
- Telepsychology consent
- Informed consent for telepsychology must address technology risks, privacy, emergency procedures, and alternatives to electronic delivery.
- APA Ethics Code adoption
- Maryland regulations adopt the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct by reference, applying it to all licensed psychologists.