intermediateforensic evaluationdual rolescustody evaluationethicstreating clinicianprofessional boundariesobjectivity
A PMHNP has been treating a patient with PTSD and major depressive disorder for two years. The patient is involved in a custody dispute and asks the PMHNP to conduct a forensic custody evaluation and write a report recommending that the patient receive primary custody. The patient states that having a treating clinician who knows her well would produce a more accurate evaluation than a forensic evaluator who has never met her. The PMHNP considers the ethical implications of this request.