10.36.05.04 Competence

Question 0

What are the 7 standards of professional competence? 
Hint:
--limit
--acquire
--discrim
--approp apps
--maintain
--engage and seek
--document

Answer 0

1) limit practice to the areas of competence by which proficiency has been gained through education, training, and experience.
2) acquire the special education and training needed to address the cultural differences of special populations.
3) avoid unfair discrimination based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, disability, SES, or other basis proscribed by law.
4) use intervention and assessment techniques only when the psychologist knows that the circumstances are appropriate applications of those interventions and techniques, supported by reliability, validation, standardization, and outcome studies.
5) maintain competence by meeting the requirements of CE as set forth in COMAR 10.36.02.
6) engage in on-going consultation with other psychologists or relevant professionals and seek appropriate education, training, and experience, when developing competence in a new service or technique.
7) document and maintain appropriate records of professional and scientific work.

Question 1

Why is the Ethics section (ch. 5) on competence so important?

Answer 1

Because the Board’s mission is to protect the interests and welfare of the citizens of the State.

Question 2

What are the 2 standards of impaired competence?

Answer 2

1) a psychologist must represent accurately and objectively the psychologist’s professional qualifications.
2) a psychologist must seek competent professional assistance to determine whether to suspend, terminate, or limit the scope of professional or scientific activities when the psychologist becomes or is made aware that his/her competence is impaired.

Question 3

What are 2 situations or circumstances in which a psychologist should not undertake or continue a professional relationship with a client because their competence and/or objectivity could reasonably be expected to be impaired?

Answer 3

1) OWN PROBS: the psychologist’s own mental, emotional, physiological, pharmacological, substance abuse, or personal problems.
2) REL w/CLIENT: the psychologist’s present or previous familial, social, sexual, emotional, financial, supervisory, political, administrative, or legal relationship with the client or a person associated with or related to the client.

Question 4

What is another limitation related to impaired competence?

Answer 4

A psychologist may not engage in OTHER relationships that could limit the psychologist’s objectivity or create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.