Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the therapist's legal obligation when working with a client diagnosed with a serious illness like AIDS?

1. Inform the partner about the client’s status

2. Encourage the client to disclose their health status to their partner

3. Process feelings about disclosure in therapy sessions

4. Maintain client confidentiality regarding HIV status

The correct answer is: Maintain client confidentiality regarding HIV status

The therapist’s legal obligation when working with a client diagnosed with a serious illness such as AIDS is to maintain client confidentiality regarding HIV status. This is rooted in both ethical and legal standards designed to protect client privacy and promote trust in the therapeutic relationship. Confidentiality is one of the core principles of mental health practice and is especially critical when working with sensitive health information like that associated with HIV status. Under laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, healthcare providers, including therapists, are required to safeguard the private health information of their clients. This means that any disclosures about a client’s health status to third parties, such as partners, can only occur with the client’s consent or under specific legal circumstances. Maintaining confidentiality not only adheres to legal requirements but also fosters an environment where clients feel safe to discuss their feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or unwanted disclosure. While it is also important for therapists to encourage clients to make informed decisions regarding their disclosures, the primary obligation remains to protect the client's confidentiality unless there is an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.