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NM Psych Juris practice questions

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Question 1New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

Under the New Mexico Psychology Practice Act, which individual may lawfully use the title "psychologist" in New Mexico?

  1. A person holding a current New Mexico psychologist license Correct answer.
  2. A person with a doctorate in psychology from any accredited institution
  3. A graduate student enrolled in a doctoral psychology program
  4. A school counselor employed by a public school district

Explanation

The Psychology Practice Act restricts the title "psychologist" to persons who hold a current license issued by the New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners. A doctoral degree alone does not authorize the title, and the Act creates specific limited exemptions for roles such as school counselors and trainees. Using the title without licensure is a violation subject to board discipline.

Question 2New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist licensed in New Mexico wishes to provide teletherapy to a client physically located in Texas. Under New Mexico board rules and the concept of jurisdiction, what is the most accurate statement?

  1. The psychologist may practice freely because the license was issued in New Mexico
  2. The psychologist needs only to notify the New Mexico board of the out-of-state client
  3. The psychologist must comply with Texas licensure requirements to serve a client located there Correct answer.
  4. Interstate teletherapy is prohibited for all New Mexico licensees

Explanation

Licensure generally follows the location of the client, so serving a client physically in Texas typically requires authority to practice in Texas, such as a Texas license or an applicable PSYPACT authorization. The New Mexico license alone does not extend practice authority into another state. Notifying the New Mexico board does not substitute for meeting the other state's requirements.

Question 3New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A New Mexico psychologist discovers that a colleague is practicing while impaired by alcohol. Under the code of professional conduct, what is the psychologist's primary obligation?

  1. Report the impairment to the appropriate authority as required by the code Correct answer.
  2. Publish the concern in a professional newsletter to warn the public
  3. Confront the colleague privately and take no further action if promised change
  4. Refer the colleague's clients to other providers without disclosure

Explanation

The professional code obligates psychologists to address and report impairment that poses a risk to clients, typically through the board or a designated intervention program. Private confrontation alone does not satisfy the duty when client welfare is at stake. Public disclosure would improperly breach confidentiality.

Question 4New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist receives a subpoena for a client's records in a divorce case. The client has not signed a release. What is the psychologist's most appropriate first step?

  1. Assert privilege on the client's behalf and seek guidance or a court order before disclosing Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the subpoena entirely since no release was signed
  3. Provide only a verbal summary to the requesting attorney without documentation
  4. Immediately send the full record because a subpoena is a court order

Explanation

A subpoena is not the same as a court order, and psychologists must protect confidential information by asserting privilege on the client's behalf and seeking clarification or a court order. The client should be informed so they can act to protect the relationship. Disclosing without authorization would violate confidentiality obligations.

Question 5New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

Under New Mexico rules governing continuing education for licensed psychologists, which statement best describes the requirement?

  1. Continuing education is optional as long as no complaints have been filed
  2. Continuing education is required only for psychologists who supervise trainees
  3. Licensees must complete a specified number of approved CE hours each renewal cycle, with some content requirements Correct answer.
  4. Licensees may satisfy the requirement with any self-study without documentation

Explanation

New Mexico requires licensed psychologists to complete a defined number of approved continuing education hours during each renewal period, and the rules specify certain content areas and documentation. The requirement applies to all licensees, not only supervisors. Self-study alone generally does not satisfy the requirement without approved credit.

Question 6New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist is asked to evaluate a former therapy client for a custody matter. What does the code of professional conduct say about this dual role?

  1. The psychologist may proceed only if the court requests it directly
  2. The psychologist may proceed because familiarity improves the evaluation
  3. The psychologist should avoid the role because of the risk of harm from the prior therapeutic relationship Correct answer.
  4. The psychologist may proceed if the client signs a consent form

Explanation

Entering a forensic or evaluative role with a current or former therapy client creates a conflict that can harm the client and compromise objectivity. The ethical standard directs psychologists to avoid multiple relationships that could impair objectivity or cause harm. A consent form or court request does not eliminate that risk.

Question 7New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

Which body has statutory authority to license psychologists and discipline licensees in New Mexico?

  1. The New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board
  2. The New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners Correct answer.
  3. The American Psychological Association
  4. The New Mexico Medical Board

Explanation

The Psychology Practice Act establishes the New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners as the agency that licenses psychologists and handles disciplinary matters. The Medical Board and Counseling Board regulate other professions. The American Psychological Association is a professional association without state licensing authority.

Question 8New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico plans to disclose that a client is a public figure receiving treatment. Under the code of professional conduct, what is required?

  1. Written authorization from the client or a legal basis for disclosure Correct answer.
  2. Approval from the psychologist's employer
  3. No authorization because the client is a public figure
  4. Only verbal permission obtained during a session

Explanation

Confidentiality extends to public figures as it does to any client, so disclosure of treatment requires written authorization or another recognized legal basis. Fame does not reduce the protection. Verbal permission or employer approval does not substitute for the required authorization.

Question 9New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist terminates therapy with a client who still needs services. Under the code, what must the psychologist do?

  1. Transfer the client without informing them of the reason
  2. End the relationship immediately without explanation
  3. Provide notice, facilitate appropriate referrals, and avoid abandoning the client Correct answer.
  4. Continue indefinitely regardless of the psychologist's availability

Explanation

Ethical standards require that terminations avoid client abandonment, which means giving reasonable notice and helping arrange continued care when needed. Simply ending services or transferring without explanation risks abandonment. Continuing indefinitely is not required if proper referral steps are taken.

Question 10New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

Which of the following best describes the scope of practice of a licensed psychologist in New Mexico?

  1. Providing medical diagnoses of physical disease
  2. Prescribing psychiatric medication independently
  3. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and behavioral disorders within the psychologist's competence Correct answer.
  4. Practicing law in custody disputes

Explanation

A licensed psychologist may assess, diagnose, and treat psychological and behavioral conditions within the boundaries of their training and competence. Prescriptive authority and legal representation fall outside the psychology scope of practice. Diagnosing physical disease is the province of medicine.

Question 11New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist learns during therapy that a client intends to seriously harm an identified person. Under New Mexico law and professional standards, what is the psychologist's appropriate response?

  1. Take reasonable protective action, which may include warning the intended victim or notifying authorities Correct answer.
  2. Immediately terminate the client without further action
  3. Maintain absolute confidentiality in all circumstances
  4. Disclose the threat to the client's employer only

Explanation

When a client presents a serious threat to an identifiable person, the psychologist may take protective action such as warning the intended victim or contacting law enforcement, consistent with the duty to protect. Absolute confidentiality does not apply in this narrow circumstance. Termination alone does not address the risk.

Question 12New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist who also holds a real estate license wants to advertise both services. Under the code of professional conduct, which approach is appropriate?

  1. Keep the psychology practice distinct from the other business and avoid misleading representations Correct answer.
  2. Combine the services in a single advertisement implying psychological endorsement of the real estate business
  3. Offer clients real estate commissions as an incentive to continue therapy
  4. Use the psychologist title to promote the real estate services

Explanation

The code requires psychologists to avoid misleading advertising and to prevent exploitation of the professional relationship for other business interests. Mixing roles in ways that imply endorsement or create conflicts is improper. Offering financial incentives tied to therapy exploits clients.

Question 13New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

What is the minimum educational credential generally required for psychologist licensure in New Mexico?

  1. A doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited program Correct answer.
  2. A master's degree in counseling
  3. A bachelor's degree in psychology
  4. A medical degree with a psychiatry residency

Explanation

New Mexico licensure as a psychologist requires a doctoral degree in psychology from an acceptable accredited program, along with supervised experience and examination. Master's and bachelor's degrees do not meet the psychologist standard. A medical degree leads to physician licensure, not psychologist licensure.

Question 14New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist is asked to release records under a valid court order after the client's privilege has been waived or overridden. What should the psychologist disclose?

  1. Only the information the order requires, keeping the release as limited as possible Correct answer.
  2. Nothing, because records are never disclosable
  3. The entire file including unrelated third-party information
  4. The records plus informal commentary about the client's credibility

Explanation

When disclosure is compelled by a valid court order, the psychologist should release only what is required and protect unrelated confidential material. Over-disclosure of third-party or unrelated information violates confidentiality obligations. Adding informal commentary goes beyond the order.

Question 15New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist's client asks to see their own treatment records. Under New Mexico law and ethical standards, how should the psychologist respond?

  1. Provide access only if a court orders it
  2. Provide access unless there is a documented reason that access would harm the client Correct answer.
  3. Provide access only after the client pays for all future sessions
  4. Always refuse because records belong solely to the psychologist

Explanation

Clients generally have a right of access to their own records, and the psychologist should provide access unless a documented clinical reason indicates it would cause harm. Blanket refusal or requiring a court order misstates the client's rights. Conditioning access on unrelated payments is improper.

Question 16New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist who suspects that a minor client is being abused must take which action under New Mexico law?

  1. Investigate the allegation personally before reporting
  2. Report the suspected abuse to the designated state authority Correct answer.
  3. Keep the suspicion confidential to protect the therapeutic relationship
  4. Report only after confirming the abuse beyond doubt

Explanation

New Mexico mandates that professionals report suspected child abuse or neglect to the designated authority. The reporter need not investigate or confirm the abuse; reasonable suspicion triggers the duty. Confidentiality does not override the mandatory reporting obligation.

Question 17New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist wants to include a client's identifying information in a case study for publication. What does the code require?

  1. Change only the client's name and publish the rest
  2. Obtain informed consent or sufficiently disguise the information Correct answer.
  3. Obtain consent from the client's family instead of the client
  4. Publish freely because case studies are educational

Explanation

The code requires psychologists to protect confidentiality in publications by obtaining informed consent or adequately disguising identifying details. Changing only a name is often insufficient because other details can identify the person. Consent must come from the client, not relatives.

Question 18New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

What is the role of supervised postdoctoral experience in New Mexico psychologist licensure?

  1. It is optional and can be waived on request
  2. It is required only for psychologists who plan to supervise others
  3. It is a required supervised practice period completed before full licensure Correct answer.
  4. It replaces the need for a doctoral degree

Explanation

New Mexico requires applicants to complete a period of supervised professional experience, typically postdoctoral, before full licensure. This experience is mandatory rather than optional or waivable on request. It supplements, and does not replace, the doctoral degree.

Question 19New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist is asked to testify as an expert about a client's mental state in a criminal case. Which principle best guides the psychologist's conduct?

  1. Base conclusions primarily on the attorney's theory of the case
  2. Advocate for the side that retained the psychologist
  3. Testify beyond the scope of the evaluation to be helpful
  4. Clarify the role, obtain appropriate consent, and remain objective within the limits of the data Correct answer.

Explanation

Forensic roles require psychologists to clarify the nature of the role, obtain informed consent where appropriate, and offer objective opinions grounded in the evaluation data. Advocacy or adopting the retaining attorney's theory undermines objectivity. Testifying beyond the data compromises integrity.

Question 20New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico must handle a request to disclose a client's records to an insurance company for payment. What is the appropriate basis for disclosure?

  1. The insurer's status as a third-party payer
  2. A verbal request from the insurer's representative
  3. The psychologist's judgment that disclosure is convenient
  4. A signed authorization from the client permitting the disclosure Correct answer.

Explanation

Disclosure to a third-party payer requires the client's informed written authorization specifying the information to be released. A payer's status or an informal request does not itself authorize disclosure. Convenience is never a sufficient basis for releasing confidential records.

Question 21New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist provides services in a rural New Mexico community where no other providers are available. How should competence limits be handled?

  1. Delegate the work to an unlicensed assistant without supervision
  2. Obtain relevant training or consultation, or refer when feasible, while documenting the steps taken Correct answer.
  3. Refuse all services and leave the community without options
  4. Practice outside competence because of the shortage

Explanation

When practicing in underserved areas, psychologists should address competence limits through additional training, consultation, or referral where feasible, and document those efforts. The shortage does not excuse practicing outside competence. Delegating to unsupervised unlicensed assistants is improper.

Question 22New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

What is the psychologist's obligation regarding informed consent at the outset of therapy in New Mexico?

  1. Defer informed consent until the third session
  2. Explain the nature of services, fees, confidentiality limits, and the right to withdraw Correct answer.
  3. Obtain consent only if the client asks questions
  4. Rely on the client's signature on an intake form without discussion

Explanation

Informed consent requires that clients understand the nature of services, fees, confidentiality and its limits, and their right to withdraw. It is an ongoing process of discussion, not a mere signature. Deferring or omitting this discussion fails the standard.

Question 23New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist receives a request from a licensing board investigating a complaint against them. What is the appropriate response?

  1. Alter records to minimize the appearance of a problem
  2. Contact the complainant to discourage further cooperation
  3. Refuse to respond until a lawsuit is filed
  4. Cooperate fully and truthfully with the board's inquiry Correct answer.

Explanation

Licensees are expected to cooperate with board investigations and to respond truthfully. Refusing to cooperate or altering records can itself be grounds for discipline. Contacting the complainant to discourage cooperation is improper interference.

Question 24New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist uses a standardized test that has not been validated for the population being assessed. What does the code of professional conduct require?

  1. Recognize the limitation and interpret results cautiously or choose a more appropriate instrument Correct answer.
  2. Rely on the test publisher's marketing claims as validation
  3. Use the test anyway and report scores as definitive
  4. Report scores without noting any limitation

Explanation

Psychologists must select instruments appropriate to the population and interpret results in light of documented limitations. Using an unvalidated test and presenting scores as definitive misrepresents the data. Publisher marketing is not a substitute for evidence of validity.

Question 25New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist plans to conduct research with human participants in New Mexico. Which requirement applies under the code of professional conduct?

  1. Obtain informed consent and review by an appropriate oversight body Correct answer.
  2. Proceed without review if the risk seems low
  3. Obtain consent only from participants' relatives
  4. Waive consent whenever data collection is anonymous

Explanation

Research with human participants requires informed consent and review by an institutional review board or equivalent oversight body. Low apparent risk does not eliminate the review requirement. Consent from relatives or a blanket waiver for anonymous data does not satisfy the standard.

Question 26New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

Under the New Mexico Psychology Practice Act, which individual may lawfully use the title "psychologist" in the state?

  1. A school counselor certified by the public education department
  2. A person holding a current New Mexico psychologist license issued by the board Correct answer.
  3. A psychological associate working under supervision
  4. A person with a doctorate in psychology who has not yet applied for licensure

Explanation

The New Mexico Psychology Practice Act reserves the title "psychologist" and the practice of psychology to individuals who hold a current license issued by the board. Neither a doctorate alone, a school certification, nor an associate status authorizes use of the protected title.

Question 27New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A New Mexico psychologist is moving out of state and wants to continue treating several New Mexico clients via telehealth. Which statement reflects the board's expectation about jurisdiction?

  1. Telehealth is outside the board's regulatory reach because no office visit occurs
  2. The psychologist's new home-state license automatically covers New Mexico clients
  3. The psychologist may continue indefinitely because the clients remain physically in New Mexico
  4. The psychologist must be licensed in New Mexico or otherwise authorized to practice there while serving those clients Correct answer.

Explanation

Practice is generally regulated where the client is located, so a psychologist serving New Mexico clients through telehealth must hold New Mexico licensure or another recognized authorization. Relocating does not transfer the board's authority, and a home-state license does not automatically extend coverage.

Question 28New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A licensed psychologist in New Mexico wishes to add "certified hypnotherapist" to advertising materials. Under the code of professional conduct, what governs this claim?

  1. Advertising specialty credentials is prohibited for licensed psychologists
  2. The credential may be used if a single workshop was completed
  3. Any specialty title may be used because the psychologist holds a general license
  4. The psychologist may advertise the credential only if it is accurate and not misleading about its meaning Correct answer.

Explanation

The code prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading public statements, which includes specialty credentials that could mislead consumers about qualifications. A credential may be listed when it is genuine and described accurately. A single workshop or the general license alone does not justify an unearned specialty claim.

Question 29New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

During intake, a New Mexico psychologist explains fees, confidentiality limits, and the nature of services, then documents the discussion. Which ethical principle most directly supports this practice?

  1. Fidelity
  2. Informed consent Correct answer.
  3. Justice
  4. Beneficence

Explanation

Informed consent requires that clients receive and understand information about services, fees, and confidentiality before treatment begins, and that the process be documented. The other principles are relevant to practice but do not specifically describe this disclosure obligation.

Question 30New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is subpoenaed for a client's records in a civil suit, and the client has not authorized release. What is the psychologist's most appropriate first step?

  1. Seek clarification or a protective order and assert privilege on the client's behalf until the matter is resolved Correct answer.
  2. Release the full record immediately because a subpoena is a court order
  3. Ignore the subpoena entirely because privilege applies
  4. Provide a summary of treatment to the requesting attorney without client consent

Explanation

A subpoena is not the same as a court order overriding privilege, so the psychologist should assert privilege on the client's behalf and seek clarification or a protective order. Releasing records or summaries without authorization would breach confidentiality. Simply ignoring the subpoena is also inappropriate.

Question 31New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A New Mexico psychologist is asked to serve as an expert witness evaluating a party in litigation. Which standard applies to the psychologist's role?

  1. The psychologist may provide therapy to the evaluee and testify about it afterward
  2. The psychologist may base testimony on records alone without notifying the evaluee
  3. The psychologist must clarify the evaluative, non-therapeutic role and obtain informed consent from the evaluee Correct answer.
  4. The psychologist may keep the evaluative purpose confidential from the evaluee

Explanation

Forensic evaluators must explain the nature of the role, its lack of confidentiality, and how information will be used, obtaining informed consent where feasible. Combining therapy with a forensic evaluation of the same person creates a conflict and is discouraged.

Question 32New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico begins a sexual relationship with a former client two years after therapy ended. Under the code of professional conduct, this conduct is best described as:

  1. Permitted if the client signs a consent form
  2. Prohibited, because sexual intimacies with former clients are generally barred Correct answer.
  3. Permitted after a two-year waiting period
  4. Permitted, because the therapeutic relationship ended

Explanation

The code prohibits sexual intimacies with former clients, with only an extremely narrow exception that requires extraordinary and documented justification, so a two-year gap does not make the relationship permissible. Consent forms cannot cure the ethical violation.

Question 33New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico wants to barter with a client who owns a landscaping business and cannot pay the full fee. Under the code, bartering is:

  1. Never acceptable under any circumstances
  2. Acceptable whenever the client proposes it
  3. Acceptable only when it is not exploitative and is culturally appropriate, with a written agreement Correct answer.
  4. Acceptable only if the psychologist sets the exchange rate

Explanation

Bartering is permitted when it is not exploitative or clinically contraindicated and when the arrangement is culturally appropriate and clearly documented. It is not categorically banned, but the psychologist must guard against exploitation and boundary problems.

Question 34New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is asked to provide services outside their competence in a crisis where no alternative exists. What does the code require?

  1. Delegate the entire case to an unlicensed assistant
  2. Decline all services and leave the client without assistance
  3. Provide interim services while obtaining consultation or making an appropriate referral Correct answer.
  4. Continue indefinitely and represent the services as within their competence

Explanation

When no alternative is available, a psychologist may provide limited interim services while seeking consultation or arranging referral to a competent provider. The psychologist must not misrepresent competence or abandon the client.

Question 35New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A New Mexico psychologist wishes to use a new assessment instrument that has limited validity evidence for the client population. Under the code, the psychologist should:

  1. Select instruments with appropriate validity and interpret results with documented limitations Correct answer.
  2. Rely solely on clinical intuition instead of any measure
  3. Use the instrument anyway and report scores as definitive
  4. Avoid all testing for that population regardless of need

Explanation

The code requires using instruments with established validity for the population and purpose, and interpreting results with attention to limitations. Using an instrument while presenting scores as definitive would misrepresent findings, and abandoning all assessment is not required.

Question 36New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is asked to supervise a postdoctoral trainee. Which obligation does the code place on the supervisor?

  1. Allow the trainee to practice independently without oversight
  2. Assign all clinical responsibility to the trainee
  3. Ensure the trainee's clients are informed of the supervisory relationship and the supervisor's role Correct answer.
  4. Keep the supervisory relationship secret from clients

Explanation

Supervisors must ensure that clients are informed of the supervision arrangement and the supervisor's identity and role. They retain responsibility for the quality of services and cannot let trainees practice without oversight or hide the arrangement.

Question 37New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is contacted by a former client's new therapist requesting records. What is the psychologist's appropriate action?

  1. Release records only with the client's valid written authorization or other legal authority Correct answer.
  2. Release records because the requester is also a licensed clinician
  3. Refuse to ever release records to another provider
  4. Release the records after a verbal request from the client

Explanation

Records may be released to another provider only with the client's valid written authorization or another recognized legal basis. The requester's licensure does not create authority, and a verbal request is generally insufficient.

Question 38New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A client in New Mexico tells a psychologist that they plan to seriously harm a specific, identifiable person. Under the relevant New Mexico framework for duty to protect, the psychologist should:

  1. Take no action unless the client has already acted
  2. Take reasonable steps to protect the potential victim, which may include warning and notifying authorities Correct answer.
  3. Warn the general public through a press release
  4. Maintain confidentiality absolutely because therapy is privileged

Explanation

New Mexico law recognizes a duty to protect identifiable potential victims when a client presents a serious threat, which may be met through warning, notifying authorities, or other protective steps. Absolute confidentiality is not required in that situation, and public disclosure would be excessive.

Question 39New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico believes a colleague is engaging in unethical conduct that harms clients. According to the code, the psychologist should:

  1. Publicly post the allegations on social media
  2. Ignore the matter to avoid interfering with a colleague
  3. Attempt informal resolution where appropriate and report to the board when the conduct warrants it Correct answer.
  4. Report the colleague to clients without any basis

Explanation

The code encourages informal resolution when appropriate, but serious misconduct that harms clients or raises fitness concerns should be reported to the board. Ignoring the issue, public posting, or improperly involving clients would be inappropriate.

Question 40New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is asked to treat a close friend's adult child. What is the most appropriate response under the code?

  1. Accept the client because the friend requested it
  2. Accept the client and keep the friendship secret
  3. Decline the referral because the preexisting relationship creates a multiple-relationship risk Correct answer.
  4. Accept the client only if fees are waived

Explanation

Providing therapy to someone connected to a close personal relationship creates a foreseeable multiple-relationship risk that could impair objectivity and harm the client. The psychologist should generally decline or refer, and waiving fees does not resolve the conflict.

Question 41New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico wants to use client material in a professional presentation. Under the code, the psychologist must:

  1. Alter identifying details or obtain written authorization from the client Correct answer.
  2. Use the material because presentations are educational
  3. Use the material if colleagues agree it is interesting
  4. Change only the client's name and nothing else

Explanation

The code requires that identifiable client information be disguised or that written authorization be obtained before using material in presentations or publications. Changing only a name may leave the client identifiable, and educational purpose does not remove the requirement.

Question 42New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico receives a request from an insurer for treatment information to process a claim. The client has signed a release limited to billing information. What should the psychologist do?

  1. Disclose the entire clinical record because insurance requires it
  2. Refuse all communication with the insurer
  3. Disclose information to the insurer and also to the client's employer
  4. Disclose only the information covered by the client's authorization Correct answer.

Explanation

Disclosure must stay within the scope of the client's valid authorization, so only the information the client permitted should be released. Providing the full record or additional disclosures would exceed consent, and refusing all communication is unnecessary.

Question 43New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico provides services to a client who is a minor. Which statement best reflects the code's approach to consent and confidentiality?

  1. Minors can never receive psychological services
  2. Parental consent is never relevant for minor clients
  3. Confidentiality is absolute regardless of legal requirements
  4. The psychologist should address parental or guardian consent and clarify confidentiality limits with all parties Correct answer.

Explanation

When working with minors, psychologists address the legal requirements for consent and clarify confidentiality and its limits with the minor and guardians. Parental involvement is often relevant, services are not prohibited, and confidentiality is not absolute.

Question 44New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is retiring and closing a practice. Under the code, the psychologist should:

  1. Leave records in an unsecured office indefinitely
  2. Arrange for transfer or storage of records and notify clients appropriately Correct answer.
  3. Give records to any colleague without client knowledge
  4. Destroy all records immediately without notice

Explanation

Closing a practice requires planning for records so that confidentiality is maintained and clients can access or transfer their information. Immediate destruction without notice, unsecured storage, or unannounced transfer would violate record-keeping obligations.

Question 45New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is asked to perform an evaluation for a court and is told the results will be used to determine custody. Which consideration is most important under the code?

  1. Promising a particular outcome to the retaining party
  2. Limiting the evaluation to one brief interview
  3. Clarifying the purpose, limits of confidentiality, and the psychologist's role before beginning Correct answer.
  4. Sharing results only with the retaining attorney and never with the court

Explanation

Forensic evaluators must clarify the purpose of the evaluation, the limits of confidentiality, and their role before beginning so that participants understand how information will be used. Promising outcomes, conducting an inadequate evaluation, or withholding results from the court would be improper.

Question 46New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico uses a fee arrangement in which charges increase if the client cancels appointments. Under the code, such a policy is:

  1. Permissible only if the client signs after the first missed session
  2. Permissible if disclosed to the client in advance Correct answer.
  3. Prohibited because psychologists cannot charge for missed sessions
  4. Prohibited unless approved by the board in each case

Explanation

Fee policies, including charges for missed appointments, are permissible when established and disclosed in advance so clients can make informed decisions. They are not categorically prohibited, and retroactive imposition or case-by-case board approval is not required.

Question 47New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is asked to provide a report based on records alone without seeing the client. According to the code, the psychologist should:

  1. Refuse to ever rely on records in any circumstance
  2. Present conclusions as equivalent to a full evaluation
  3. Omit any mention of the limited basis
  4. State the limitations of the record-only basis and avoid overstating conclusions Correct answer.

Explanation

When conclusions rest on limited information such as records alone, the psychologist must disclose those limitations and avoid presenting findings as though a full evaluation occurred. Records can be used appropriately, but the basis must be candidly described.

Question 48New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is asked by a client to release records to the client's attorney. What documentation best protects the psychologist under the code?

  1. A note that the client mentioned the attorney in session
  2. A phone call from the attorney requesting the file
  3. An assumption that attorneys are entitled to records
  4. A signed authorization identifying the recipient and the information to be released Correct answer.

Explanation

A valid written authorization should identify the recipient and the specific information authorized for release, protecting both the client and the psychologist. Informal mentions, phone requests, or assumptions about attorney entitlement do not substitute for proper authorization.

Question 49New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is considering a romantic relationship with a current client's parent who is not a client. Under the code, the psychologist should recognize that:

  1. The relationship may exploit the therapeutic relationship and should be avoided Correct answer.
  2. The relationship is permissible because the parent is not the client
  3. The relationship is permissible if it begins after one month
  4. The relationship is permissible if the client is informed

Explanation

The code prohibits relationships that could exploit persons over whom the psychologist has authority, including those closely connected to clients, because of the power imbalance. The parent's non-client status, disclosure to the client, or a short waiting period does not remove the risk.

Question 50New Mexico statutes, rules, and code of professional conduct governing the practice of psychology

A psychologist in New Mexico is asked to provide services to a client whose primary language the psychologist does not speak, and no interpreter is available. Under the code, the psychologist should:

  1. Proceed using gestures and assume consent
  2. Arrange appropriate interpretation or refer, because informed consent and valid assessment depend on communication Correct answer.
  3. Ask the client's child to interpret sensitive information
  4. Proceed and document that language was not addressed

Explanation

Effective communication is necessary for informed consent, assessment validity, and treatment, so the psychologist should arrange qualified interpretation or refer when language barriers cannot be addressed. Using gestures, a child as interpreter, or ignoring the issue would compromise care.