Rules of Conduct Flashcards
What is meant by “competency”?
The ability to conduct psychological acts in which the RC is trained and qualified to do.
Describe limits in competency.
Stay within the boundaries of RC scope of practice.
1. Education
2. Training
3. Supervised experience
How does an RC maintain competency?
Through continuous professional development and supervision.
When can a RC add new competencies?
ONLY when engaging in continuous appropriate supervision, education, and training.
What must the RC do when adding or acting on a new competency?
RC MUST inform the client that the method or technique is new to field and or to RC.
This allows for freedom of choice from the client.
What are extraordinary circumstances that may challenge competencies?
In an emergency care must NOT be denied from client. Even when RC is not professionally competent within that scope.
Describe personal impairment related to competency.
Personal circumstances that could PREVENT competency and potentially harm the client.
How can an RC prevent incompetent/impaired performance?
- Refrain from undertaking professional activities when likelihood of personal circumstances that could influence space and client.
- Stay alert of personal signs and triggers.
- Obtain appropriate professional assistance (supervision).
What are appropriate measures that should be taken when becoming aware of personal circumstances that could potentially interfere and harm client?
(Done with assistance of appropriate professional).
1. Limit
2. Suspend
3. Terminate
To whom can an RC delegate?
Delegate to someone who is competent and can be expected to perform necessary roles. (Consider education, training, and supervised experience).
What can happen when delegating to someone who has multiple relations with the client?
(Applicable to self-RC as well).
Multiple relations can lead to:
1. Exploiting
2. Loss of objectivity
Explain professional competency with interpreters.
Interpreter must be fluent in the 2 languages involved.
Must act competently and have no multiple relations with the client.
(Used when client is not fluent in RC’s language).
In a professional relationship what are the different aspects a RCs should respect?
- Dignity
- Human rights and human worth
- Client’s right to having different values, beliefs, and opinions.
(ADDITIONAL FACTOR):
- Respect a client’s rights to not be subjected to any procedure without informed consent (shall not coerce or compel).
What should RC’s strive to do?
RC should strive to preserve and protect client’s fundamental human rights.
In addition to respect, client’s are entitled to:
Rights over bodily and psychological integrity (security and control over self - body and person).
An RC should ensure what in relation to informed consent? (2)
- Documented (written) consent/assent/permission.
- Presented in language easily understood by client.
What are the three situations that affects the process of informed consent?
- Capacity to consent.
- Legally incapable of giving informed consent.
- Ordered
Explain steps within the capacity to consent.
- Provide the client with necessary information and answers to asked questions.
- Explain exceptions to confidentiality.
- Discuss costs and rumination.
Explain the steps to gain assent when client is legally incapable of consenting.
- Provide client with explanation.
- Seek assent (approval and agreement).
- Get permission.
What makes an individual legally incapable of consenting?
- Unable to understand.
- Substance influence.
- Asleep or unconscious.
- Age (14 and under).
Explain the steps of informed consent when client is court/organisation ordered for counselling.
- Inform the client of the services to be provided.
- Discuss exceptions to the requirements of confidentiality.
Discuss factors within discrimination and harassment.
DO NOT:
- Harass
- Impose stereotypes
- Unfairly discriminate
- Harm client
DO:
Make sure that psychological services are culturally appropriate and language comfortability.
Define psychological services.
Acts of psychological assessments and interventions. (RC may not diagnose - refer).
Conflict of interest(s) described.
Refrain from entering a professional role when there are interests/relationships that could negatively affect the counselling relationship.
What could occur when there are conflicts of interest?
Leads to loss of objectivity. Affects competency, effectiveness, and an increased risk to exploit or harm the client.
What should the RC do when there are third party requests for services?
- Clarify nature of relationships.
Clarify confidentiality exceptions.
What leads to multiple relationships?
Multiple relationships occur when RC enters a professional relationship at the same time as:
- Having relations with people/organisations associated with the client.
- In a relationship with someone closely associated with client.
- Promises to enter a relationship with someone associated with client.
OR
- Enters another role/relationship with client.
What should the RC do when the law requires multiple relationships?
Discuss role expectations with client as well as exceptions to confidentiality.
What should the RC do when a multiple relationship develops?
- Refer
- Wait 24 months before entering another relationship with client.
Discuss cooperation.
Cooperate with other APPROVED and relevant professionals (consults and referrals).
ALWAYS act in the best interest of client.
How can the RC avoid interruptions in the in counselling environment?
DO NOT terminate abruptly and pre-maturely.
If there is a foreseeable absence make arrangements for clients (emergencies or unavailability).
- Plan for continuity in case of illness, death, or relocation.
What is the process the RC should take when psychological services are offered to or through an organisation?
- Inform the client of relevant information (roles and expectations).
- Discuss confidentiality exceptions.
- As soon as feasible share the results and conclusions with appropriate people. (GAIN CONSENT/ASSENT).
