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Contemporary Ethical Considerations in Forensic Neuropsychology: Practical Perspectives from a Neuropsychologist and a Lawyer
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CE:2.5
Description
Contemporary Ethical Considerations in Forensic Neuropsychology: Practical Perspectives from a Neuropsychologist and a Lawyer
Presented by:
Scott D. Bender, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Science
University of Virginia School of Medicine
Audra M. Dickens
Director, McCandlish Holton, PC
For forensic neuropsychologists, “staying ahead of the curve” includes staying abreast of ethical standards most relevant to the adjudicative setting. While the standards themselves tend not to change radically, the number of situations involving an ethical issue is daunting and there are multiple evolving pitfalls to the ethical practice of forensic neuropsychology. Simple formulaic solutions are neither forthcoming nor reasonable to expect. Rather, guiding principles derived from both empirical research and experience are needed. In this presentation, we will discuss some of these principles and experiences, and provide several practical examples for the contemporary neuropsychologist to use to recognize and manage ethical challenges. We will examine ethically-informed sources of authority and will discuss the meaning of a “forensically competent neuropsychologist.” We will review ways to recognize the potential sources and impact of incentives and bias in forensic work and provide examples of conflicts associated with multiple relationships. In addition, attendees will discuss the pros and cons of third-party observers in neuropsychological evaluations (a topic almost certain to generate some debate), and consider best practices for ethically communicating PVT and SVT findings to the court. Other topics involve the role of the attorney in editing and/or communicating your findings to the court, releasing raw data and protocols, and contemporary issues related to the internet and social media. The talk will be co-presented by an attorney who brings valuable perspectives from the law to the discussion. It will take an interactive format, allowing attendees to problem-solve through vignettes and promoting opportunities to share their own experiences.
After the session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the most pertinent sources of authority, define a “forensically competent neuropsychologist,” and recognize potential conflicts in multiple relationships.
- Critique and describe the pros and cons of third-party observers in neuropsychological evaluations, discuss methods of ethically communicating PVT and SVT findings to the court, and identify ways of managing their own vulnerabilities to cognitive bias.
- Describe the role of the attorney in editing and/or communicating neuropsychological findings to the court (e.g., designations, affidavits).
- Ethically release raw data and protocols, and demonstrate ethical use of social media.
- Describe the goals and perspectives of attorneys working with expert witnesses.
Instructional Level: Intermediate