History and Effective Date of the APA Ethics Code:

Question 1

Adoption:

Answer 1

The American Psychological Association’s Council of Representatives adopted this version of the APA Ethics Code during its meeting on Aug. 21, 2002.

Question 2

Effective Date:

Answer 2

The Code became effective on June 1, 2003.

Question 3

Amendments:

Answer 3

2010: The Council of Representatives amended the Ethics Code on Feb. 20, 2010, with the amendments becoming effective on June 1, 2010.
2016: Another amendment occurred on Aug. 3, 2016, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2017.

Question 4

Inquiries:

Answer 4

Inquiries concerning the substance or interpretation of the APA Ethics Code should be addressed to the Director, Office of Ethics, American Psychological Association, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242.

Question 5

Adjudication:

Answer 5

The standards in this Ethics Code will be used to adjudicate complaints brought concerning alleged conduct occurring on or after the effective date. Complaints will be adjudicated on the basis of the version of the Ethics Code that was in effect at the time the conduct occurred.