Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

A client submits a written request to access their records. There is not a clinical reason to withhold the record. Which of the following is true?

1. The therapist must provide a copy within 10 days.

2. The client may inspect the record within 5 days, or receive a treatment summary within 10 days, or receive a copy within 15 days.

3. The client may inspect the record within 2 days, or receive a treatment summary within 5 days, or receive a copy within 10 days.

4. The therapist should consult with a lawyer before producing the records.

The correct answer is: The client may inspect the record within 5 days, or receive a treatment summary within 10 days, or receive a copy within 15 days.

The correct answer is compelling as it aligns with established guidelines regarding a client's right to access their mental health records. Under federal and state laws, clients generally have the right to access their records within a specific timeframe, which ensures transparency and fosters trust in the therapeutic process. The client must be allowed to inspect their records promptly, typically within a few days, which is crucial for their understanding of their treatment. Providing a treatment summary within a brief period and allowing for a complete copy of the records within a reasonably longer timeframe reflects a balance between the client's rights and the therapist's responsibilities. This option encapsulates the relevant timelines accurately, which are designed to protect the client’s access to their information while also allowing therapists to manage their records appropriately. In contrast, the other options suggest incorrect timeframes for inspection and copy provision or imply unnecessary legal consultation, which can delay the process and complicate what should be a straightforward client access protocol. The focus of the correct choice is on the client's immediate entitlement to their records in a structured manner, promoting their engagement in their own treatment.