Update on Third Party Observers in Neuropsychological Evaluation: An Interorganizational Position Paper

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Major neuropsychology organizations previously issued position statements regarding third-party observers (TPO).
• The landscape of evaluations has evolved with telemedicine and new considerations for TPO.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update and reaffirm the joint position of leading neuropsychology organizations on the issue of TPO.
• To establish consensus on the implications of TPO in neuropsychological evaluations.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Key areas reviewed included TPO effects, ethical standards, professional guidelines, test publisher policies, and telemedicine.

Main Results:

• Third-party observation negatively impacts cognitive functions assessed in forensic and medicolegal evaluations.
• TPO, regardless of format (in-person, recorded, electronic), threatens the validity and reliability of results.
• TPO violates established ethical principles, test security, and professional conduct standards.

Conclusions:

• The field of neuropsychology collectively opposes the inclusion of TPO in medicolegal and forensic evaluations.
• TPO is viewed as a tactic to impede the neuropsychologist's assessment and reporting capabilities.