APA Ethics Code Standards 5 & 6

Question 1

Advertising and Other Public Statements:

Answer 1

Standard 5 (Advertising and Other Public Statements) of the Ethics Code addresses public statements, client testimonials, and in-person solicitation of business.

Question 2

Standard 5: Advertising and Other Public Statements
Summary

Answer 2

5.01 Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements
5.02 Statements by Others
5.03 Descriptions of Workshops and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs
5.04 Media Presentations
5.05 Testimonials
5.06 In-Person Solicitation

Question 3

5.01 Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements

Answer 3

(a) Definition: Public statements include but are not limited to paid or unpaid advertising, product endorsements, grant applications, etc. Psychologists do not knowingly make false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements.

(b) Content: Psychologists do not make false statements regarding their training, experience, credentials, services, fees, etc.

(c) Degree Claims: Psychologists only claim degrees earned from accredited institutions or ones essential for licensure.

Question 4

5.02 Statements by Others

Answer 4

(a) Responsibility: Psychologists are accountable for statements made by others promoting their practice.

(b) No Compensation: Psychologists don’t pay media personnel for publicity.

(c) Advertisement Clarity: Paid advertisements must be clearly marked.

Question 5

5.03 Descriptions of Workshops and Programs

Answer 5

Psychologists ensure accurate descriptions of workshops, seminars, etc., including audience, objectives, presenters, and fees.

Question 6

5.04 Media Presentations

Answer 6

Psychologists ensure public advice is based on professional knowledge, consistent with ethics, and doesn’t imply a professional relationship.

Question 7

5.05 Testimonials

Answer 7

Psychologists refrain from soliciting testimonials from current therapy clients or vulnerable individuals.

Question 8

5.06 In-Person Solicitation

Answer 8

Psychologists avoid uninvited in-person solicitation of therapy clients or vulnerable individuals. Exceptions include collateral contacts or community services.

Question 9

Record Keeping and Fees:

Answer 9

Standard 6 (Record Keeping and Fees) of the Ethics Code provides ethical requirements for professional records and financial arrangements.

Question 10

Record Keeping and Fees:
summary

Answer 10

6.01 Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records
6.02 Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records
6.03 Withholding Records for Nonpayment
6.04 Fees and Financial Arrangements
6.05 Barter with Clients/Patients
6.06 Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources
6.07 Referrals and Fees

Question 11

6.01 Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records

Answer 11

Purpose: Facilitate service provision, research replication, meet institutional requirements, ensure accuracy of billing, and comply with the law.

Question 12

6.02 Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records

Answer 12

Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, and disposing of records. Use coding to protect personal identifiers.

Question 13

6.03 Withholding Records for Nonpayment

Answer 13

Emergency Treatment: Psychologists must provide records for emergency treatment, even if payment is pending.

Question 14

6.04 Fees and Financial Arrangements

Answer 14

Agreement: Agree on compensation and billing arrangements early in the relationship.
Consistency: Fee practices must comply with the law and not be misrepresented.
Limitations: Discuss limitations in services due to financing early.
Collection: Inform clients of collection measures before using them.

Question 15

6.05 Barter with Clients/Patients

Answer 15

Acceptance: Barter is acceptable if clinically appropriate and non-exploitative.

Question 16

6.06 Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources

Answer 16

Reporting: Ensure accuracy in reporting services provided, fees, identity, findings, and diagnosis.

Question 17

6.07 Referrals and Fees

Answer 17

Payment Basis: Payment based on services provided, not on referrals, in professional interactions.