Da Rulez Flashcards
What does the Introduction and Applicability section of the APA Ethics Code state?
The Ethics Code applies only to psychologists’ activities that are part of their scientific, educational, or professional roles.
The APA Ethics Committee may take action against members for various reasons, including felony convictions unrelated to their psychological roles.
What are the primary goals of the APA Ethics Code as stated in the Preamble?
To ensure the welfare and protection of individuals and groups with whom psychologists work and to educate members, students, and the public regarding ethical standards.
This emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in psychology.
How many General Principles are included in the APA Ethics Code?
Five General Principles.
These principles provide aspirational guidelines rather than enforceable standards.
What does Principle A of the General Principles emphasize?
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm.
This principle focuses on the well-being of clients.
What is the focus of Principle B in the General Principles?
Fidelity and Responsibility: psychologists establish relationships of trust and are aware of their professional responsibilities to society.
It encourages contributing professional time for little or no compensation.
What does Principle C of the General Principles address?
Integrity: promoting accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology.
This principle is essential for maintaining credibility in the field.
What is the main idea of Principle D in the General Principles?
Justice: recognizing that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access to and benefit from psychology’s contributions.
It emphasizes equal quality in processes, procedures, and services.
What does Principle E of the General Principles state?
Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity: psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people and their rights to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination.
It includes awareness of cultural and individual differences.
What are Ethical Standards in the context of the APA Ethics Code?
Enforceable rules of conduct that are mandatory and can be enforced by the APA Ethics Committee.
These standards differ from General Principles as they are actionable.
How many categories are the Ethical Standards divided into?
Ten categories.
These categories include Resolving Ethical Issues, Competence, Human Relations, and more.
Fill in the blank: The Ethical Standards are divided into categories such as _______.
Resolving Ethical Issues, Competence, Human Relations, Privacy and Confidentiality, Advertising and Other Public Statements, Record Keeping and Fees, Education and Training, Research and Publication, Assessment, and Therapy.
What does Standard 1 of the Ethics Code address?
Conflicts between ethical and legal or organizational requirements, ethical violations by colleagues, responding to requests from ethics committees, and avoiding unfair discrimination against complainants and respondents in an ethics complaint.
What is required when conflicts occur between ethical requirements and laws according to Standard 1.02?
Psychologists must clarify the nature of the conflict, commit to the Ethics Code, and resolve the conflict consistent with the General Principles and Ethical Standards.
True or False: Under no circumstances can Standard 1.02 be used to justify violating human rights.
True
What must psychologists do if reasonable actions do not resolve an ethical conflict?
They may make a conscientious decision to comply with legal or regulatory authority.
What does Standard 1.04 require psychologists to do when they observe an ethical violation by a colleague?
Attempt to resolve the violation informally by bringing it to the psychologist’s attention.
Under what circumstances must psychologists report an ethical violation according to Standard 1.05?
When the violation has caused or is likely to cause substantial harm, is not appropriate for informal resolution, or was not adequately resolved informally.
Fill in the blank: Psychologists must be aware that confidentiality requirements may be superseded by _______.
[jurisdictional requirements]
What are some situations identified by Koocher and Keith-Spiegel that may not be amenable to informal resolution?
- Addiction to alcohol or drugs
- Serious emotional disturbance or mental illness
- General incompetence
- Pre-existing bad feelings between psychologists
What does Standard 1.06 require psychologists to do regarding investigations by ethics committees?
Cooperate with investigations and proceedings of the APA and affiliated psychological associations.
What constitutes an ethical violation under Standard 1.06?
Failing to cooperate with investigations and proceedings.
What must psychologists ensure if requested to provide information about a client to an ethics committee?
The client has signed an authorization for release of information.
What does Standard 1.08 state regarding unfair discrimination?
Psychologists must not discriminate solely based on ethics complaints, but may act based on the outcome of such proceedings.
This standard aims to protect individuals from discrimination related to their involvement in ethics complaints.
What is the primary focus of Standard 2 in the APA’s Ethics Code?
It addresses working within the boundaries of one’s competence, delegating work, and dealing with personal problems.
Competence is crucial for ethical psychological practice.
What does Standard 2.01 require from psychologists?
Provide services, teach, and conduct research only within their boundaries of competence based on education, training, and experience.
This ensures that psychologists do not overstep their professional capabilities.
In what situations does Standard 2.01(b) apply?
When understanding issues related to gender, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics is essential for effective professional services.
Psychologists must have the necessary knowledge and training to serve diverse populations.
What does Standard 2.01(c) state about providing services to new populations?
Psychologists must undertake relevant education, training, supervised experience, consultation, or study to provide services to new populations.
This emphasizes continuous professional development.
What guidance do Koocher and Keith-Spiegel (2008) provide regarding referrals?
When there’s a substantial difference between client needs and psychologist competence, referral is usually the best choice.
Referral ensures that clients receive appropriate care.
What does Standard 2.01(d) allow psychologists to do?
Provide services when they lack adequate competence if they have closely related training and make reasonable efforts to gain appropriate knowledge.
This standard recognizes the need for flexibility in urgent situations.
What does Standard 2.02 permit psychologists to do?
Provide professional services in emergency situations even if they lack adequate training, as long as they discontinue when appropriate services are available.
Emergency situations may require immediate action despite competence concerns.
What is addressed in Standard 2.01(e) regarding new techniques?
Psychologists must take reasonable steps to ensure competence in emerging areas where standards for training do not yet exist.
This is especially relevant for fields like telepsychology.
What does Guideline 1 of the APA’s Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology emphasize?
Psychologists must ensure competence with technologies used in telepsychology and understand their impact on clients.
This includes ongoing education and familiarity with current research.
What should psychologists do when uncertain about their competence in telepsychology?
Consult with a colleague who has expertise in providing telepsychology services.
Seeking consultation helps maintain ethical standards in practice.
What does Standard 2.04 require psychologists to base their work on?
Established scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline, including evidence-based methods when applicable.
This reinforces the importance of empirical research in psychological practice.
What is defined as evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP)?
The integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture, and preferences.
This definition emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to treatment.
What is Standard 2.05 regarding delegating work to others?
A psychologist must delegate responsibilities only when certain conditions regarding objectivity, competence, and supervision are met
The conditions include: (a) no multiple relationships affecting objectivity, (b) adequate competence, and (c) ensuring competent service delivery.
What is a potential ethical issue when using a family member as an interpreter?
The family member’s relationship with the client may affect their objectivity
This can lead to biased interpretations and impacts on therapy effectiveness.
What does Novotney (2020) recommend regarding interpreters?
Use certified professional interpreters and obtain client consent before their involvement
Professional interpreters should adhere to ethical standards and maintain client confidentiality.
What should psychologists have regarding interpreters?
Written guidelines and a contract addressing confidentiality and responsibilities
This is to ensure clarity on confidentiality and professional conduct.
What is vicarious liability in the context of psychologists delegating work?
Psychologists may be legally responsible for the actions of employees or supervisees under certain conditions
Conditions include authority over the employee, deviation from standard care, and conduct within their responsibilities.
What are the three conditions for vicarious liability to occur?
- Psychologist’s control over the employee or supervisee
- Deviation from standard of care causing damage
- Conduct within designated responsibilities
These conditions ensure accountability in professional settings.
What does Standard 2.06 require psychologists to do regarding personal problems?
Refrain from professional activities that personal problems may impede and take appropriate measures when aware of such issues
Appropriate measures may include seeking consultation about ongoing professional activities.
Fill in the blank: Psychologists must take _______ when they become aware that a personal problem might negatively affect their professional activity.
appropriate measures
This emphasizes the need for self-awareness and responsibility in professional practice.
What does Standard 3 of Human Relations address?
Ethical requirements related to discrimination, harassment, multiple relationships, informed consent, and interruption of services.
What is prohibited by Standard 3.01?
Discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other legally proscribed bases.
Can psychologists refuse to see clients based on their values or characteristics?
Yes, psychologists may refer individuals to other mental health professionals if they believe the individual’s characteristics would negatively affect their ability to provide competent services.
How is sexual harassment defined in Standard 3.02?
Sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal/nonverbal conduct that is unwelcome, offensive, or creates a hostile environment.
What constitutes sexual harassment according to Standard 3.02?
A single severe behavior or multiple persistent behaviors.
What is a clear example of sexual harassment?
A quid pro quo situation where sexual favors are demanded in exchange for job benefits.
When does ambiguous behavior become sexual harassment?
When the perpetrator continues the behavior after being told it’s unwelcome or offensive.
What does Standard 3.04 require psychologists to do?
Take reasonable steps to avoid harming clients, supervisees, students, and others.
Are there exceptions to the harm requirement in Standard 3.04?
Yes, it does not apply to legitimate activities like assigning low grades or accurate diagnoses.
What defines a multiple relationship according to Standard 3.05(a)?
A professional relationship with a person while simultaneously having another professional relationship with that person or someone closely associated.
What is the condition under which multiple relationships are considered unethical?
If they could impair the psychologist’s objectivity, competence, or effectiveness or risk exploitation or harm.
What does Guideline 12 of the Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations state?
Psychologists aspire to avoid conflicts of interests and multiple relationships.
What does Paragraph 4.02.01 of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology state?
Forensic and therapeutic services to the same individual or closely related individuals is a multiple relationship that may impair objectivity.
What factors does Gottlieb’s decision-making model propose psychologists consider regarding multiple relationships?
- Power differential between psychologist and client
- Expected duration of each relationship
- Clarity of termination of each relationship
What must psychologists do in potentially harmful multiple relationships according to Standard 3.05(b)?
Take reasonable steps to resolve it with due regard for the best interests of the affected person.
What are reasonable steps psychologists can take when facing a potentially harmful multiple relationship?
- Discuss the situation with involved individuals
- Consult with a colleague
What does Standard 3.06 prohibit psychologists from doing?
Accepting a professional role that could impair objectivity, competence, or effectiveness, or expose someone to harm or exploitation.
This includes recommending products or services in which the psychologist has a financial interest.
What must psychologists clarify when providing services at the request of a third party according to Standard 3.07?
The nature of the relationship, the role of the psychologist, who the client is, probable uses of the services, and limits to confidentiality.
Guidelines for identifying the client are provided in ASPPB’s Supervision Guidelines and APA’s Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.
In the context of psychological services, who is typically considered the ‘client’?
A direct recipient of psychological health care services, which can include:
* Child
* Adolescent
* Adult
* Couple
* Family
* Group
* Organization
* Community
* Other populations or entities receiving services.
In some cases, the client may be the entity requesting the services, such as in court-ordered evaluations.
What does Standard 3.10(a) require regarding informed consent?
Psychologists must obtain informed consent using understandable language unless mandated by law or ethics code exceptions apply.
Exceptions include court-ordered evaluations and research involving deception.
What should psychologists do when individuals are legally incapable of giving consent according to Standard 3.10(b)?
Provide an appropriate explanation, consider best interests, seek assent, and obtain permission from a legally authorized person if permitted.
This applies to adults found legally incompetent and most minors under 18.
What are some circumstances under which minors may consent to their own treatment?
Circumstances include:
* Emancipated minor
* Mature minor
* Minors with certain medical conditions such as addiction or STDs.
Laws vary by state regarding these conditions.
What does Standard 3.10(c) state regarding court-ordered services?
Psychologists must inform the person about the nature of the services, that they are court-ordered, and any limits of confidentiality.
This is further detailed in the APA’s Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.
What options do psychologists have if an examinee refuses a court-ordered evaluation?
They may consider:
* Postponing the examination
* Advising the examinee to contact their attorney
* Notifying the retaining party about the refusal.
This is outlined in Paragraph 6.03.02 of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.
What does Standard 3.10(d) require regarding documentation of consent?
Psychologists must appropriately document written or oral consent, permission, and assent.
The type of informed consent required may vary based on circumstances and regulations.
Fill in the blank: In the United States, providing emergency treatment to minors without consent is permitted by the _______.
Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)
EMTALA supersedes state law and is known as the ‘doctrine of implied consent’.
What does Standard 3.12 require psychologists to do regarding interruptions of services?
Make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating services in case of interruptions due to illness, death, unavailability, relocation, or financial limitations of clients.
Discussing the situation with clients and providing pretermination counseling and referrals is advised.
What is a professional will in the context of psychologists?
A document designating a professional executor responsible for contacting clients and ensuring the security of client records after a psychologist’s death.
It helps in managing ethical obligations and legal requirements regarding client confidentiality.
When should psychologists discuss the limits of confidentiality according to Standard 4.02?
At the outset of the relationship and as new circumstances may warrant.
This includes foreseeable uses of the information generated through psychological activities.
What does Standard 10.02 require psychologists working with couples or families to clarify?
Which individuals are clients and the probable uses of the services or information obtained.
This includes how information shared separately will be handled.
In group therapy, what does Standard 10.03 require psychologists to describe?
The roles and responsibilities of all parties and the limits of confidentiality.
Psychologists cannot guarantee confidentiality in group therapy.
True or False: The right to confidentiality extends to all minor clients.
False.
Confidentiality does not extend to minors except in legally defined situations.
What should psychologists do when a minor client engages in potentially harmful behavior?
Contact the minor’s parents or legal guardian if it is believed to ensure the client’s safety.
It’s important to discuss confidentiality agreements at the start of therapy.
What does the Ethics Code say about the confidentiality of deceased clients?
Most states allow disclosure only with authorization from the client’s executor or legal representative.
The Ethics Code does not explicitly address this issue.
How is client confidentiality handled in military settings?
It must adhere to Department of Defense rules that limit confidentiality of mental health information.
Detailed informed consent is necessary regarding confidentiality in the military.
What are the two types of decisions regarding breaches of confidentiality in correctional facilities?
Treatment-driven and security-driven decisions.
Treatment-driven prioritizes the therapeutic relationship, while security-driven prioritizes safety.
What are Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) designed to do?
Help employees address work-related and personal problems affecting job performance.
Client confidentiality in EAPs is similar to other therapy situations.
What does Guideline 4 of the APA’s Guidelines for Telepsychology state?
Psychologists must make reasonable efforts to protect and maintain client confidentiality in telepsychology.
They should inform clients of the risks of confidentiality loss with telecommunication technologies.
Name one method psychologists can use to maintain confidentiality in telepsychology.
Using encryption for emails and confidential data.
Other methods include secure platforms and soundproof environments.
