CA Law & Ethics Exam – BBS
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)?
✔✔To regulate and license mental health professionals in California
Who must comply with BBS laws and regulations?
✔✔All licensed and registered mental health professionals under BBS
What is the main ethical duty of a therapist?
✔✔To protect client welfare
What does informed consent require?
✔✔Clear explanation of services, risks, and client rights
When must informed consent be obtained?
✔✔Before providing services
What is confidentiality in therapy?
✔✔The duty to protect client information
When can confidentiality be legally broken?
1
,✔✔When there is risk of harm or legal mandate
What is the Tarasoff duty?
✔✔The duty to protect identifiable victims from credible threats
What must a therapist do if a client threatens serious harm to others?
✔✔Take reasonable steps to protect potential victims
What is mandated reporting?
✔✔Legal duty to report abuse or neglect
Who are mandated reporters under BBS law?
✔✔Licensed and registered mental health professionals
What types of abuse must be reported?
✔✔Child, elder, and dependent adult abuse
Is client consent required to make a mandated report?
✔✔No
What is client privilege?
✔✔The client’s legal right to keep therapy information private
2
,Who holds the privilege in therapy?
✔✔The client
When can privilege be waived?
✔✔When the client gives permission or the law requires disclosure
What is dual relationship?
✔✔Having more than one role with a client
Why are dual relationships discouraged?
✔✔They can impair professional judgment
What is a boundary violation?
✔✔Crossing ethical limits that harm the client
Are sexual relationships with current clients allowed?
✔✔No
How long must therapists wait before a sexual relationship with a former client?
✔✔At least two years, with strict conditions
3
, What is scope of practice?
✔✔Activities legally allowed within a license
What happens if a therapist practices outside scope?
✔✔Disciplinary action may occur
What is supervision in BBS practice?
✔✔Oversight of clinical work by a qualified supervisor
Why is supervision required for associates?
✔✔To ensure competence and protect clients
What must supervisors ensure?
✔✔Ethical and lawful practice
What is professional competence?
✔✔Ability to provide effective services within training
What should a therapist do when lacking competence?
✔✔Seek training, supervision, or refer the client
What is negligence?
4
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)?
✔✔To regulate and license mental health professionals in California
Who must comply with BBS laws and regulations?
✔✔All licensed and registered mental health professionals under BBS
What is the main ethical duty of a therapist?
✔✔To protect client welfare
What does informed consent require?
✔✔Clear explanation of services, risks, and client rights
When must informed consent be obtained?
✔✔Before providing services
What is confidentiality in therapy?
✔✔The duty to protect client information
When can confidentiality be legally broken?
1
,✔✔When there is risk of harm or legal mandate
What is the Tarasoff duty?
✔✔The duty to protect identifiable victims from credible threats
What must a therapist do if a client threatens serious harm to others?
✔✔Take reasonable steps to protect potential victims
What is mandated reporting?
✔✔Legal duty to report abuse or neglect
Who are mandated reporters under BBS law?
✔✔Licensed and registered mental health professionals
What types of abuse must be reported?
✔✔Child, elder, and dependent adult abuse
Is client consent required to make a mandated report?
✔✔No
What is client privilege?
✔✔The client’s legal right to keep therapy information private
2
,Who holds the privilege in therapy?
✔✔The client
When can privilege be waived?
✔✔When the client gives permission or the law requires disclosure
What is dual relationship?
✔✔Having more than one role with a client
Why are dual relationships discouraged?
✔✔They can impair professional judgment
What is a boundary violation?
✔✔Crossing ethical limits that harm the client
Are sexual relationships with current clients allowed?
✔✔No
How long must therapists wait before a sexual relationship with a former client?
✔✔At least two years, with strict conditions
3
, What is scope of practice?
✔✔Activities legally allowed within a license
What happens if a therapist practices outside scope?
✔✔Disciplinary action may occur
What is supervision in BBS practice?
✔✔Oversight of clinical work by a qualified supervisor
Why is supervision required for associates?
✔✔To ensure competence and protect clients
What must supervisors ensure?
✔✔Ethical and lawful practice
What is professional competence?
✔✔Ability to provide effective services within training
What should a therapist do when lacking competence?
✔✔Seek training, supervision, or refer the client
What is negligence?
4
