Ethics Flashcards
Are the APA Ethics Code’s preamble and general principles enforceable?
No. They’re aspirational, and will provide general guidelines for practice. They cannot be used for disciplinary action against you.
Is the APA Ethics Code’s standards subsection enforceable?
Yes. The ethical standards are mandatory and enforceable provisions. It is typically one or more of these ethical standards that are used as grounds for misconduct.
“Reasonable”
The prevailing professional judgement of psychologists engaged in similar activities in similar circumstances, given the knowledge the psychologist had or should have had at the time
Five general principles of the APA Ethics Code
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence (do no harm)
Fidelity and Responsibility (be professional and responsible)
Integrity (uphold science, don’t be a douche)
Justice (fairness, being aware of your limitations)
Respect for Rights and Dignity (privacy, confidentiality, self-determination)
Pro bono services
Professional services rendered without charge.
Such services are noted in the APA Ethics Code’s general principles, and thus are recommended but not mandatory.
Client Welfare
Maintaining the welfare and protections of pros s is rye primary goal of the APA Ethics Code.
This encompasses protecting vulnerable populations and research subjects, respecting client autonomy, and committing to doing no harm.
Ethical Standard 1
Resolving Ethical Issues
Misuse of other psychologists work, ethical violations by colleagues, cooperation with the ethics committee, dealing with complaints
1.01 Misuse of Psychologists’ Work
If psychologists learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their work, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation
1.02 Conflicts Between Ethics And Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority
If there’s conflict, psychologists must clarify the nature of the conflict, make commitment to the Ethics Code known, and take reasonable steps to resolve in accordance with the general principles and ethical standards
1.03 Conflicts Between Ethics And Organizational Demands
If an organization’s demands conflict with that of the APA Ethics Code, the psychologist must clarify the nature of the conflict, make commitment to code known, and take reasonable steps to resolve the issue in accordance with the general principles and ethical standards
1.04 Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations
When psychologists believe that there may have been an ethical violation by another psychologist, they attempt to resolve the issue by first bringing it to the attention of that individual
1.05 Reporting Ethical Violations
If a violation has substantially harmed, or is likely to substantially harm, or isn’t resolved informally, psychologists must take further action.
Any include referral to state or local licensing boards, or institutional authorities.
Exception to 1.05 Reporting Ethical Violations
1.05 does not apply when you are retained legally to review the work of another psychologist whose professional conduct is in question
1.06 Cooperating with Ethics Committees
Cooperate and address any confidentially issues that come up.
Failing to cooperate is in and of itself an ethical violation.
1.07 Improper Complaints
Do not file ethics complaints that are made with reckless disregard or willful ignorance of facts
1.08 Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants or Respondents
Psychologists cannot discriminate simply on the basis of someone being the subject of an ethics complaint
How to resolve ethical violations by colleagues
Resolve informally (1.04) and then formally if needed (1.05)
Consider client confidentiality (always takes precedence)
“Substantial harm”
Sexual misconduct, insurance fraud, plagiarism
Ethical Standard 2
Competence
Boundaries of competence, providing services in emergencies, maintaining competence, delegation of work to others, personal problems and conflicts
2.01 Boundaries of Competence
Practice within your competence (as supported by relevant training, education, supervision, consultation, study, and professional experience)
Undertake steps to receive education and supervision in new areas
In forensic work, take steps to become familiar with judicial and administrative rules governing their work
2.02 Providing Services in Emergencies
You can practice outside your competence to prevent that services are not being denied who need it…however, discontinue immediately when the emergency has ended or appropriate services are available
2.03
Undertake ongoing efforts to maintain and develop your competence
2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments
Base your work on the established scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline
2.05 Delegation of Work to Others
Don’t delegate work to those who will have a dual-role (or poor objectivity), give them work that is only in like with their training and experiences and supervision, see that the delegate services are performed competently