Explanation

The treating clinician occupies a fundamentally different role from a forensic evaluator. While the PMHNP can and should provide factual treatment summaries when requested by the patient (with proper authorization), forensic opinions — such as custody recommendations, parenting capacity assessments, or credibility determinations — require independent forensic evaluation. This distinction protects the therapeutic relationship, ensures the patient receives a proper forensic assessment, and maintains the clinician's credibility. The PMHNP should explain this boundary to the patient, provide the factual treatment summary, and recommend a qualified forensic evaluator.

Key Takeaway

The treating clinician can provide factual treatment summaries but should avoid forensic opinions.