Independent and court-ordered forensic neuropsychological examinations: official statement of the National Academy of Neuropsychology.

Full Abstract

Independent forensic neuropsychological examinations are performed by neuropsychologists who are hired as independent contractors by third parties to make determinations regarding neuropsychological functioning. The responsibilities of neuropsychologists when performing independent or court-ordered forensic examinations differ from those of clinical examinations. Because neuropsychological training typically occurs in clinical contexts, the transition to forensic contexts may result in uncertainty about how to negotiate the unique responsibilities of the forensic examiner role. Neuropsychologists are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of professional practice when performing independent and court-ordered forensic examinations. To reach and maintain the highest standards of practice, neuropsychologists must understand the unique relationships with retaining parties and examinees and strive to maintain true independence and objectivity. Although a true neuropsychologist-patient relationship is not considered to exist within the context of a forensic neuropsychological evaluation, neuropsychologists have ethical responsibilities to both the retaining party and the examinee.

Author information

Author/s: Bush, Shane S (SS); NAN Policy & Planning Committee;

Affiliation: 496 Smithtown Bypass, Ste. 304, Smithtown, NY 11787, USA. sbushphdnp(-atsign-)medscape.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Practice Guideline

Journal: Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists (Arch Clin Neuropsychol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2005-Dec; vol 20 (issue 8) : pp 997-1007

Dates: Created 2005/11/22; Completed 2006/02/28;

PMID: 16076547, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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