02_Competence Flashcards
Boundaries of Competence:
Common situations where the standard applies
Incorporating a new technique into one’s practice
Offering services to members of a population one has not previously served
Boundaries of Competence:
Expanding knowledge and skills
Psychologists must do so in a way that minimizes potential for harm
Consultation can help determine appropriate additional training and when one is ready to practice independently
A psychologist is asked to provide certain services when no one else is available to do so, but does not have sufficient competence to provide those services.
What is necessary for the psychologist to provide services?
Services are closely related to training or experience
Psychologist makes a reasonable effort to obtain needed knowledge and skills
In emerging areas where standards of training do not yet exist, what must a psychologist do?
Take reasonable steps to protect welfare of clients, students, others
What must a psychologist do when they want to use a new or experimental technique?
Inform client of the fact that it is new/experimental
Take special care to protect the client from harm
When alternative providers are unavailable, a psychologist may provide [emergency] services even though they do not have the appropriate training.
What happens next?
Psychologist should discontinue services as soon as the emergency has ended or appropriate services are available
What are the requirements for psychologists who want to change their specialty or add a specialty.
Completion of coursework
&
Supervised training required for that degree
[A second doctoral degree is not necessary]
Competence of supervisees and employees
Psychologist must decide whether supervisees/employees are competent
Critical element = regular performance feedback
What is the most common cause of ethical complaints related to supervision?
Lack of timely feedback
When is a psychologist prohibited from delegating work to others?
When doing so will create a multiple relationship
Vicarious Liability
When supervisors and employers are legally responsible for the actions of their supervisees/employees
Legal determinants of vicarious liability
Degree of disparity in training and experience between supervisor and supervisee
The right or responsibility of the supervisor to control the actions of supervisee
If a psychologist is experiencing personal problems that may be interfering with professional activities, what are they encouraged to do?
Seek therapy
Refer clients to other professionals
Consult with another professional to identify the most appropriate action
