Law and Ethics Practice Exam

When developing informed consent for a study involving clients with variable competency, what is the best action for a therapist?

1. Create a simplified version of the informed consent to ensure understanding.

2. Obtain consent only when assured of client's ability to understand.

3. Design a rubric to determine various levels of understanding.

4. Verbal consent, not written, is sufficient in this situation.

The correct answer is: Obtain consent only when assured of client's ability to understand.

The best action for a therapist when developing informed consent for a study involving clients with variable competency is to obtain consent only when assured of the client's ability to understand. This approach prioritizes the ethical principle of respect for persons, which underscores the importance of ensuring that clients can comprehend the information presented to them and the implications of their participation in the study. Informed consent is a critical component of ethical research practices. When clients have variable competency, it becomes essential to assess their ability to understand the nature of the study, including any risks and benefits involved. By ensuring that consent is obtained only from those who demonstrate understanding, the therapist safeguards the rights and welfare of the clients involved. The other options, while addressing important aspects of informed consent, do not fully ensure that the clients are capable of understanding the information provided. Simplifying the informed consent may help but does not guarantee comprehension for all clients. Designing a rubric to determine understanding could be useful but might not address all nuances of an individual's competency. Lastly, relying on verbal rather than written consent undermines the necessity for clear documentation and could leave ambiguity regarding a client's understanding and agreement to participate.