This course provides an analysis of the legal grounds for
malpractice litigation as related to the issue of standard of care and scope of
practice. It outlines the essential components of legal proceedings such as
subpoenas, depositions, issues of client confidentiality, privileged
communication pertaining to the conduct of casework, individual, couple, family
and group therapy/counseling. It analyses the relationship between ethics and
the law and offers a framework in the management of ethical dilemmas related to
relationships with clients, colleagues and employers.
It further provides an understanding of the relationship
between moral values and the management of liability risk. There will be a
brief discussion of the “Patriot Act” and its impact on the patient’s right and
privacy. Also discussed would be the “Tarasoff” rule involving “duty to warn”
and the elaboration of this rule by courts and statute after this case was
decided.