Growth, Differentiation and Sexuality

Abstract

This document is intended to reflect current ethical, legal, and professional practice considerations specifically related to the release of test data. Essential points relevant to test data disclosures, including ethical principles and legal mandates are presented. It is recognized that laws vary from state to state, as do the policies governing various institutions and organizations. Modification and refinement of this information, as the application of ethical and legal guidelines pertaining to test release principles and statutes evolves and becomes more defined, is anticipated. It is strongly recommended that providers seek appropriate consultation and refer to national and state psychological associations, federal and state laws, and institutional or organizational risk management resources. The 2002 Ethics Code makes a clear distinction between test data and test materials. The previous 1992 Ethics Code mandated refraining from release of test results to "persons, other than to patients or clients as appropriate, who were not qualified to use such information." It has long been recognized that there are times when two or more of the principles and standards of the Ethics Code can conflict, and times when the Ethics Code may conflict with other professional guidelines or state or federal law. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)