General Ethical Standards and Procedures

Question 1

GENERAL ETHICAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES (1-6)

Answer 1

I. RESOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES
II. COMPETENCIES
III. HUMAN RELATIONS
IV. CONFIDENTIALITY
V. ADVERTISEMENTS AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS
VI. RECORDS AND FEES

Question 2

I. how we resolve ethical issues in our professional lives and communities

Answer 2

I. RESOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES

Question 3

A. Misuse of the Psychology Professional’s Works

Answer 3

In instances where misuse or misrepresentation of our work comes to our attention, we take appropriate
and reasonable steps to correct or minimize the effects of such misuse or misrepresentation.

Question 4

B. Conflicts between Ethics and Law, Regulations or other Governing legal Authority

Answer 4

In instances where our Code of Ethics conflicts with the law, regulations or governing legal authority, our first step is to take appropriate actions to resolve the conflicts while being committed to our Code of Ethics. However, if the conflicts cannot be resolved by such means, we adhere to the law, regulations or governing legal authority.

Question 5

C. Conflicts between Ethics and Organizational Demands

Answer 5

In instances where our Code of Ethics conflicts with organizational demands, we make our Code of Ethics known to the organization. We also declare our commitment and adherence to this Code when resolving the conflicts.

Question 6

D. Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations

Answer 6

When we become aware that another psychology practitioner violated our Code of Ethics, we may resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of the concerned professional.

Question 7

E. Reporting Ethical Violations

Answer 7

If there is likely to have substantial harm to a person or organization, we take further action to report violation of the Code of Ethics to appropriate institutional authorities.

However, this does not apply when an intervention would violate confidentiality rights or when we are called to review the work of another psychology practitioner whose professional conduct is in question.

Question 8

F. Cooperating with Ethics Committee

Answer 8

We cooperate with the ethics investigation, proceedings and requirements of any psychological association we belong to.

Question 9

G. Improper Complaints

Answer 9

We refrain from filing ethical complaints with reckless disregard or willful ignorance of facts that would disprove allegations of ethical violations. We also refrain from filing complaints without supporting factual evidence, as well as coercing people to file ethical complaints against another person.

Question 10

H. Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents

Answer 10

1. We do not discriminate against complainants and respondents of ethical complaints by denying
   them employment, advancement, admissions to academic, tenure or promotion.
2. This does not rule out taking appropriate actions based on outcomes of proceedings.

Question 11

II. how we adhere to the highest standards of professional competence;

Answer 11

II. COMPETENCIES

Question 12

A. Boundaries of Competence

Answer 12

As specified in Republic Act 10029 (or The Philippine Psychology Act of 2009), only licensed and registered psychologists and psychometricians are legally allowed to practice their profession. Our practice as psychology practitioners are within the boundaries of what the law prescribes.

Question 13

B. Providing Services in Emergencies

Answer 13

We shall make available our services in emergency situations to individuals for whom the necessary mental health services are not available to ensure these individuals are not deprived of the emergency services they require at that time. We shall proceed cautiously in providing the necessary interventions that may be in the form of support, provision of necessary information, or referral. However, we shall immediately discontinue said services as soon as the emergency has ended, and ensure that appropriate competent services are made available.

Question 14

C. Maintaining Competence

Answer 14

We shall regularly engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities to ensure our services remain to be relevant and applicable. As such, the accumulation of a prescribed number or CPD points shall be necessary for the renewal of one’s professional license, as provided in Republic Act 10912, or the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016.

Question 15

D. Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments

Answer 15

We shall base our work upon established scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline.

Question 16

E. Delegation of Work to Others

Answer 16

In cases where we shall have to delegate work to employees, supervisees, or research or teaching assistants or when using the services of others, such as interpreters, we shall take reasonable steps to:

1. Avoid delegating such work to persons who have a multiple relationship with those being served that would likely lead to exploitation or loss of objectivity;
2. Authorize only those responsibilities that such persons can be expected to perform competently on the basis of their education, training, or experience, either independently or with the level of supervision being provided;
3. Inform the client that the task is delegated and they have a choice to discontinue or reschedule; and
4. See that such persons to whom work is delegated are able to perform these services competently.

Question 17

F. Personal Problems and Conflicts

Answer 17

1. We shall refrain from initiating an activity when we know or anticipate that there is a substantial likelihood that our personal problems will prevent us from performing work-related activities in a competent manner.
2. When we shall become aware of personal problems that may interfere with performing work-related duties adequately, we shall take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance, and determine whether we should limit, suspend, or terminate these
   work-related duties.
3. It remains our foremost ethical obligation as mental health professionals to take care of our own health and well-being, so that we can continue rendering competent service to others.

Question 18

III. how we respect for the rights and dignity of our supervisees (i.e., clients, peers, and students) and our other stakeholders in the profession and scientific discipline;

Answer 18

III. HUMAN RELATIONS

Question 19

A. Unfair Discrimination

Answer 19

In our work-related activities, we shall not discriminate against persons based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, regional identity, religion, sexual orientation, exceptionality, occupation, socioeconomic status, educational background, or any basis proscribed by law.

Question 20

B. Sexual Harassment

Answer 20

We do not engage in sexual harassment as defined in the Philippine Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA No. 7877).

Question 21

C. Other Harassment

Answer 21

We shall not knowingly harass or demean persons with whom we interact in our work on the bases of those persons’ age, sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, regional identity, religion, sexual orientation, exceptionality, language, occupation, or socioeconomic status.

Question 22

D. Avoiding Harm

Answer 22

We shall take reasonable steps to avoid harming our clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, organizational clients, and others with whom we work, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable but unavoidable.

Question 23

E. Multiple Relationships

Answer 23

We shall refrain from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair our objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing our functions as psychologists or psychometricians, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom our professional relationship exists.

Question 24

F. Conflict of Interest

Answer 24

We shall refrain from taking on a professional role when personal, scientific, professional, legal, financial, or other interests or relationship could reasonably be expected to (1) impair our objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing our functions as psychologists and psychometricians, or (2) expose the person or organization with whom our professional relationship exists to harm or to exploitation.

Question 25

G. Third-Party Requests for Services

Answer 25

When we agree to provide services to a person or entity at the request of a third party, we shall attempt to clarify at the outset of the service the nature of the relationship with all individuals or organizations involved. This clarification includes our expected role (e.g., test examiner, therapist, consultant, diagnostician, or expert witness), an identification of who is the client, the probable uses of the services provided or the information obtained, and the fact that there may be limits to confidentiality.

Question 26

H. Exploitative Relationships

Answer 26

We shall not exploit persons over whom we have supervisory, evaluative, or other authority such as clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, and employees.

Question 27

I. Cooperation with Other Professionals

Answer 27

Whenever necessary and professionally appropriate, we shall cooperate with other professionals in order to serve our clients/patients/students effectively and appropriately.

Question 28

J. Informed Consent

Answer 28

When conducting research or providing assessment, therapy, counseling, or consulting services in person or via electronic transmission, telepsychology or video conferencing, telephone, social media platforms, or other forms of communication, we shall obtain the informed consent of the individual or group of individuals using language that is reasonably understandable to that person or persons and peoples, except when conducting such activities without consent is mandated by law or governmental regulation or as other provided in this Code of Ethics.

Question 29

K. Psychological Services Delivered To or Through Organizations

Answer 29

When delivering services to or through organizations, we shall provide information beforehand to clients and when appropriate, to those directly affected by the services about (1) the nature and objectives of the services, (2) the intended recipients, (3) which of the individuals are clients, (4) the relationship we will have with each person and the organization, (5) the probable uses of the services provided and information obtained, (6) who will have access to the information, and (7) limits of confidentiality. As soon as feasible, we shall provide information about the results of the conclusions of such services to appropriate persons.

Question 30

L. Interruption of Psychological Services

Answer 30

Unless otherwise covered by contract, we shall make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating services in the event that psychological services are interrupted by factors such as illness, death, unavailability, relocation, or retirement or by the client’s/patient’s relocation or financial limitations, or even unstable or intermittent internet connections of either or both parties, as in the case of telepsychology.

Question 31

IV. how we maintain confidentiality in the important aspects of our professional and scholarly functions;

Answer 31

IV. CONFIDENTIALITY

Question 32

A. Maintaining Confidentiality

Answer 32

It is our duty to safeguard any information divulged by our clients, regardless of the medium where it was stored. It is also our duty to make sure that this information is secured and is not placed in areas, spaces, computers, or gadgets such as laptops and smartphones that are easily accessible to other unqualified persons.

Question 33

B. Limitations of Confidentiality

Answer 33

1. It is our duty to discuss the limitations of confidentiality to our clients, may it be due to regulated laws, institutional rules, or professional or scientific relationship. In cases where the client is a minor or is legally incapable of giving informed consent, the primary guardian or legal representative should be informed about the limitations of confidentiality. 2. Before the actual interview, session, assessment, or any other related psychological activities, we explain explicitly to the client all anticipated uses of the information they will disclose. 3. We may release information to appropriate individuals or authorities only after careful deliberation or when there is imminent danger to the individual and community. In court cases, information should be limited only to those pertinent to the legitimate request of the court. 4. If the psychological services, products, or information are coursed through an electronic transmission (such as fax, email, etc.), it is our duty to inform the clients of risks to privacy. To safeguard privacy in these cases, the psychology professional must adhere to strict standards and best practices in the transmission of information through the use of encryption, passwords, etc.

Question 34

C. Recording

Answer 34

It is our duty to obtain consent from clients or their legal representatives before recording the voices or images of the clients. Before the actual recording, we explain explicitly all anticipated uses of recorded voices or images of the clients.

Question 35

D. Minimizing Invasions of Privacy

Answer 35

1. When we consult cases with our colleagues or make written and oral reports, we only reveal information that is relevant to the purpose for which the communication is made. 2. We discuss confidential information we obtained from our work only to persons clearly concerned or only for scientific, medical and professional purposes. In such situations, personal identifiers such as name, address, organizational affiliation, etc. are not disclosed.

Question 36

E. Disclosures

Answer 36

We take reasonable steps to ensure that information to be disclosed will not be misused, misunderstood or misinterpreted to infringe on human rights, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Question 37

F. Consultation

Answer 37

1. We do not discuss with our colleagues or other professionals confidential information that could lead to the identification of the client, unless the client gave consent or the disclosure cannot be avoided. 2. When we seek second opinion from our colleagues or other professionals, we make sure that the extent to which we disclose information is limited to what is only needed to achieve the purpose.

Question 38

G. Use of Confidential Information for Other Purposes

Answer 38

We do not reveal confidential and personally identifiable information of our clients in our writings, lectures and seminars, classroom discussions, research, publications, or other public or social media postings unless the client or legal representative consented in writing; there is legal authorization; or, we take reasonable steps to adequately disguise the client.

Question 39

V. how we ensure truthfulness and accuracy in all our public statement;

Answer 39

V. ADVERTISEMENTS AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS

Question 40

A. Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements

Answer 40

As developer or promoter of psychological advices, programs, books, or other products, we make sure that announcements include scientifically acceptable and factually informative material, and that these are presented in a highly professional manner without any trace of sensationalism, exaggeration, or superficiality.

Question 41

B. Public Statements

Answer 41

1. In all written or oral communication (including those in social media accounts), we use language that conveys respect for the dignity of persons, peoples, and others. In addition, we shall avoid making malicious or ill-intentioned remarks, especially through the social media that demean the character and reputation of others.

Question 42

C. Workshops, Seminars and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs

Answer 42

It is our duty to ensure that our announcements, brochures, catalogs, or advertisements describing workshops, seminars, or other non-degree-granting educational programs describe accurately the audience for which the program is intended, the educational objectives, the presenters, the approved CPD points, and the fees involved. It is also our duty to ensure that no misrepresentation is made.

Question 43

D. Media Presentations

Answer 43

We are cautious when we provide public advice or comment through printed materials, social media platforms, radio or television programs, internet or other electronic transmission to ensure that our statements are: 1. based on our professional knowledge, training or experience in accord with appropriate psychological literature and practice; 2. consistent with this Code of Ethics; and, 3. not indicative that a professional relationship has been established with the recipient.

Question 44

E. Testimonials

Answer 44

We do not ask for testimonials from current and past clients, their legal representatives, or other persons, who due to certain situations might be vulnerable to undue influence of our psychological services, activities or programs.

Question 45

VI. how we observe professionalism in our records and fees.

Answer 45

VI. RECORDS AND FEES

Question 46

A. Documentation and Maintenance of Records

Answer 46

We create records and data relating to our professional and scientific work in order to (1) facilitate provision of services by ourselves or by other professionals, (2) allow for replication and evaluation o our research, (3) meet institutional requirements, (4) ensure accuracy of billing and payments, and (5) ensure compliance with relevant laws. Whenever possible, we take responsibility for maintaining, disseminating, storing, retaining, and disposing of such records and data.

Question 47

B. Confidentiality of Records

Answer 47

1. We maintain confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and disposing of our records in whatever form or media these are encoded and stored. 2. When confidential information is entered into databases or other systems that are available to other people, we use codes, passwords, and other techniques to avoid the inclusion of any personal identifiers. 3. In the event that we anticipate retirement, transfer, resignation or withdrawal from a position or practice, we make advanced plans to facilitate the appropriate transfer and to protect the confidentiality of records and data.

Question 48

C. Withholding Client Records

Answer 48

We may not withhold records that are requested and needed by and for a client’s emergency treatment, solely because payment has not been received.

Question 49

D. Fees and financial arrangements

Answer 49

We reach an agreement with the recipients of our psychological services specifying compensation and billing arrangements as early as is feasible in the professional relationship. We do not misrepresent our fees.