Page 1 of 143
Tennessee Psychology Ethics & Jurisprudence Exam
Questions and Correct Answers with EXPLANATIONS
LATEST THIS YEAR
Tennessee Psychology Ethics & Jurisprudence Exam
Summarized Exam Coverage
The exam tests Tennessee laws governing psychologists (TCA Title 63, Chapter 11), Board composition
and powers (1180 Rules), levels of practice (Licensed Psychologist, Senior Psychological Examiner,
Psychological Examiner, Certified Psychological Assistant), mandatory child abuse reporting (Title 37),
emergency involuntary admission and commitment procedures (Title 33, Chapter 6), confidentiality and
privileged communication exceptions (Title 33, Chapter 3), medical records access (TCA 63-2-101),
continuing education requirements, disciplinary grounds, and the APA Ethics Code as adopted by the
Board.
1. A psychologist receives a subpoena for a client's therapy records in a civil custody case. The client has
not signed a release. What is the psychologist's FIRST action?
A) Immediately produce the records as required by law
B) Assert the privilege on behalf of the client and seek a protective order or court ruling
C) Redact all identifying information and then produce the records
D) Call the client's attorney and ask what to do
Answer: B
*TCA 63-11-213 establishes privileged communications for psychologists; the psychologist must protect
the privilege unless the client waives it or a statutory exception applies.*
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2. Under TCA 33-6-401, what criterion must be met for emergency detention of a person for mental
health treatment?
A) The person poses an immediate substantial likelihood of serious harm to self or others
B) The person has been diagnosed with any mental illness
C) The person refuses outpatient medication
D) The person's family requests detention
Answer: A
Emergency detention requires that the person present an immediate threat of serious harm due to a
mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.
3. Which Tennessee statute chapter establishes the Board of Examiners in Psychology?
A) Title 63, Chapter 10
B) Title 63, Chapter 11
C) Title 33, Chapter 6
D) Title 68, Chapter 1
Answer: B
TCA Title 63, Chapter 11, Part 1 specifically creates and defines the Board of Examiners in Psychology.
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4. A psychological examiner licensed in another state moves to Tennessee. What must they do to
practice independently without supervision in Tennessee?
A) Practice under a temporary permit indefinitely
B) Obtain licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Senior Psychological Examiner per TCA 63-11-202
C) Register with the Board as a visiting professional
D) Nothing; reciprocity is automatic
Answer: B
*TCA 63-11-202 distinguishes Psychological Examiners (who require supervision) from Senior
Psychological Examiners (who may practice independently). Out-of-state applicants must meet
Tennessee qualifications.*
5. A psychologist provides therapy to a client who later reveals an intent to kill a specific identifiable
person. What does Tennessee law require the psychologist to do?
A) Maintain confidentiality because of privilege
B) Report the threat to local law enforcement pursuant to TCA 33-3-210
C) Hospitalize the client immediately
D) Warn the potential victim only if the client agrees
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Answer: B
*TCA 33-3-210 permits and encourages mental health professionals to report actual threats of serious
bodily harm or death against an identifiable victim to law enforcement.*
6. Under the APA Ethics Code, if a psychologist's ethical obligations conflict with the law, the
psychologist should:
A) Always follow the APA Code regardless of law
B) Ignore both and follow personal judgment
C) Seek consultation and attempt to resolve the conflict, recognizing that legal obligations generally take
precedence
D) Immediately terminate the professional relationship
Answer: C
The APA Ethics Code directs psychologists to consult with colleagues and relevant authorities to resolve
conflicts, acknowledging that legal requirements may supersede ethical standards in some
circumstances.
7. A Certified Psychological Assistant (CPA) in Tennessee must practice under what condition?
A) Independently after two years of experience
Tennessee Psychology Ethics & Jurisprudence Exam
Questions and Correct Answers with EXPLANATIONS
LATEST THIS YEAR
Tennessee Psychology Ethics & Jurisprudence Exam
Summarized Exam Coverage
The exam tests Tennessee laws governing psychologists (TCA Title 63, Chapter 11), Board composition
and powers (1180 Rules), levels of practice (Licensed Psychologist, Senior Psychological Examiner,
Psychological Examiner, Certified Psychological Assistant), mandatory child abuse reporting (Title 37),
emergency involuntary admission and commitment procedures (Title 33, Chapter 6), confidentiality and
privileged communication exceptions (Title 33, Chapter 3), medical records access (TCA 63-2-101),
continuing education requirements, disciplinary grounds, and the APA Ethics Code as adopted by the
Board.
1. A psychologist receives a subpoena for a client's therapy records in a civil custody case. The client has
not signed a release. What is the psychologist's FIRST action?
A) Immediately produce the records as required by law
B) Assert the privilege on behalf of the client and seek a protective order or court ruling
C) Redact all identifying information and then produce the records
D) Call the client's attorney and ask what to do
Answer: B
*TCA 63-11-213 establishes privileged communications for psychologists; the psychologist must protect
the privilege unless the client waives it or a statutory exception applies.*
, Page 2 of 143
2. Under TCA 33-6-401, what criterion must be met for emergency detention of a person for mental
health treatment?
A) The person poses an immediate substantial likelihood of serious harm to self or others
B) The person has been diagnosed with any mental illness
C) The person refuses outpatient medication
D) The person's family requests detention
Answer: A
Emergency detention requires that the person present an immediate threat of serious harm due to a
mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.
3. Which Tennessee statute chapter establishes the Board of Examiners in Psychology?
A) Title 63, Chapter 10
B) Title 63, Chapter 11
C) Title 33, Chapter 6
D) Title 68, Chapter 1
Answer: B
TCA Title 63, Chapter 11, Part 1 specifically creates and defines the Board of Examiners in Psychology.
, Page 3 of 143
4. A psychological examiner licensed in another state moves to Tennessee. What must they do to
practice independently without supervision in Tennessee?
A) Practice under a temporary permit indefinitely
B) Obtain licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Senior Psychological Examiner per TCA 63-11-202
C) Register with the Board as a visiting professional
D) Nothing; reciprocity is automatic
Answer: B
*TCA 63-11-202 distinguishes Psychological Examiners (who require supervision) from Senior
Psychological Examiners (who may practice independently). Out-of-state applicants must meet
Tennessee qualifications.*
5. A psychologist provides therapy to a client who later reveals an intent to kill a specific identifiable
person. What does Tennessee law require the psychologist to do?
A) Maintain confidentiality because of privilege
B) Report the threat to local law enforcement pursuant to TCA 33-3-210
C) Hospitalize the client immediately
D) Warn the potential victim only if the client agrees
, Page 4 of 143
Answer: B
*TCA 33-3-210 permits and encourages mental health professionals to report actual threats of serious
bodily harm or death against an identifiable victim to law enforcement.*
6. Under the APA Ethics Code, if a psychologist's ethical obligations conflict with the law, the
psychologist should:
A) Always follow the APA Code regardless of law
B) Ignore both and follow personal judgment
C) Seek consultation and attempt to resolve the conflict, recognizing that legal obligations generally take
precedence
D) Immediately terminate the professional relationship
Answer: C
The APA Ethics Code directs psychologists to consult with colleagues and relevant authorities to resolve
conflicts, acknowledging that legal requirements may supersede ethical standards in some
circumstances.
7. A Certified Psychological Assistant (CPA) in Tennessee must practice under what condition?
A) Independently after two years of experience
