Introduction and Applicability

Question 1

What does the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (AKA Ethics Code) consists of?

Answer 1

1. Introduction
2. Preamble
3. Five General Principles (A-E)
4. Specific Ethical Standards

Question 2

What does the Introduction of the Ethics Code discuss?

Answer 2

The Introduction discusses the 1. intent, 2. organization, 3. procedural considerations, and 4. scope of application of the Ethics Code.

Question 3

What are the Preamble and General Principles represent?

Answer 3

The Preamble and General Principles are aspirational goals to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of psychology and are not themselves enforceable.

Question 4

Ethics Code applies only to psychologists’ activities that are part of their scientific, educational, and professional roles as psychologists.What are some areas covered?

Answer 4

1.clinical, counseling, and school practice in psychology; 2. research; 3.teaching; 4. supervision of trainees; 5. public service; 6. policy development; 7. social intervention; 8. development of assessment instruments; 9.conducting assessments; 10. educational counseling; 11. organizational consulting; 12. forensic activities; 13. program design and evaluation; and administration.

Question 5

Does APA membership enforce compliance of APA Ethics Code?

Answer 5

Membership in APA commits members and student affiliates to comply with standards of APA Ethics Code. Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of an Ethical Standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct.

Question 6

What are the procedures that APA takes when there is a complaint or charge of unethical conduct?

Answer 6

APA Ethics Commitee outlines in their RULES and PROCEDURES section on procedures for filing, investigating and resolving complaints of unethical conduct.

APA may impose sactions on members, including termination of APA membership, and may notify other bodies and individuals of its actions, including federal and state agencies or payors for health services.

APA may take action against a member after his/her conviction of a felony, expulsion, or suspension from affiliated state psychological association or suspension or loss of licensure.

Question 7

When the APA Ethics Code sanction is less than expulsion what is the 2001 Rules and Procedures indicate a matter to be resolved as?

Answer 7

So a sanction can not be guarantee an opportunity for an in-person hearing, but generally provide that complaints will be resolved only on the basis of a submitted record.

Question 8

What is the Ethics Code intended for?

Answer 8

The Ethics Code is intended to provide guidance for psychologists and standards of professional conduct that can be applied by APA and by other bodies that choose to adopt them.

Not intended for civil liability.

Question 9

Is a psychologist legally liable if violated Ethics code standards?

Answer 9

Whether or not a psychologist violates Ethics Code does not by itself determine whether the psychologist is legally liable in a court action, whether a contract is enforceable, or wether other legal consequences occur.

Question 10

What are the modifiers in some of the standards associated with the Ethics Code?

Answer 10

1. Reasonably
2. Appropriate
3. Potentially

Question 11

In the context of Ethics Code, What is the term Reasonable mean?

Answer 11

The term Reasonable means the prevailing professional judgment of psychologists engaged in similar activities in similar circumstances, given the knowledge the psychologist had or should have had at the time.

Question 12

What are some of the things psychologists must consider in the process of making decisions regarding their professional behavior?

Answer 12

1. Ethics Code
2. Applicable Law
3. Psychology Board Regulations

Question 13

What are other factors that psychologists may consider in applying the Ethics code to their professional work?

Answer 13

1. Other materials and guidelines that have been adopted or endorsed by scientific and professional psychological organizations
2. The dictates of their own conscience
3. Consult with others within the field

Question 14

Should psychologists follow higher standards set by the Ethics Code or standards required by law?

Answer 14

If this Ethics Code establishes a higher standard of conduct than is required by law, psychologists must meet the higher ethical standard.

If psychologists ethical responsibilities conflict with law,regulations, or other governing legal authority, psychologists make known their commitment to Ethics Code and take steps to resolve conflict in a responsible manner in keeping with basic principles of human rights.