The Ethical and Clinical Practice of Disclosing Raw Test Data: Addressing the Ongoing Debate

Abstract

Neuropsychologists are prone to having raw test data requested by colleagues, clients, and attorneys. Although questions of when and to whom neuropsychologists should release raw test data have been debated for years, uncertainty about how to address requests for raw test data persists. Although contradictions within and between ethical and legal guidelines exist, general bioethical principles, most ethical and professional guidelines, and federal copyright law support the responsibility of practitioners to maintain the security of neuropsychological tests, including raw test data. Neuropsychologists are best served by taking a proactive approach regarding the manner in which requests for raw test data are addressed. The purpose of this article is to provide the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding the release of raw test data; however, each neuropsychologist must ultimately choose to pursue a course of action that is simply ethically acceptable or one that is ethically preferable.