The Ethics Code

Question 0

General Principles are…

Answer 0

aspirational, not enforceable

Question 1

Ethics code consists of

Answer 1

Introduction, Preamble, 5 General Principles, 10 Ethical Standards

Question 2

Ethical Standards are…

Answer 2

Enforceanle

Question 3

Ethics code applies…

Answer 3

only to professional and scientific activities of psychologists, not their private conduct

Question 4

Who is obligated to comply with the Ethics Code?

Answer 4

Members and student affiliates of APA

Question 5

Violations of ethics codes

Answer 5

Sanctions by APA (including termination of membership)

APA may notify other bodies (e.g. state licensing boards) of sanctions

Question 6

Malpractice lawsuit

Answer 6

Four Ds: Dereliction of duty directly causing damages

All four must be met to hold a therapist liable

Question 7

Dereliction

Answer 7

Therapist failed to provide care that is reasonable (e.g. negligence)

Question 8

Duty

Answer 8

Therapist lad legal relationship with the patient that gave rise to duty

Question 9

Dereliction of duty

Answer 9

aka breach of duty

Question 10

Directly causing damaghes

Answer 10

Negligence of therapist was the cause of some sort of harm to the patient

Question 11

Conflict between ethics and the law

Answer 11

Psychologist must make known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the conflict in a reasonable manner
If conflict unresolvable, psychologist permitted to comply with law assuming the basic principles of human rights are not violated

Question 12

Preamble

Answer 12

goals of the ethics code are:
welfare and protection of individuals and groups with whom psychologists work
education of members, students, and public regarding ethical standards of discipline

Question 13

Five GEneral Principles

Answer 13

Principle A: Beneficence and nonmaleficence
Principle B: Fidelity and responsibility
Principle C: Integrity
Principle D: Justice
Principle E: Respect for people’s rights and dignity

Question 14

Beneficence and nonmaleficence

Answer 14

Psychologists aim to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm

Question 15

Fidelity and responsibility

Answer 15

Psychologists establish relationships of trust with those whom they work

Question 16

Integrity

Answer 16

Psychologists should promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness; avoid fraudulent activities

Question 17

Justice

Answer 17

All persons should benefit from the contributions of psychology and should be treated with equal quality in all psychological activities

Question 18

Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

Answer 18

Respect for the rights of privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination

Question 19

Informal resolution of ethical violations

Answer 19

If psychologists know of an ethical violation by another psychologist, the should speak directly to the colleague; assuming an “informal” resolution seems appropriate and confidentiality will not be violated

Question 20

Reporting ethical violations

Answer 20

If attempt at informal resolution is unsuccessful or violate is inappropriate for informal resolution (e.g. substantial harm has occurred or may occur), psychologist should take further action - e.g. referral to ethics committees or licensing boards
However, such action should not be taken if confidentiality rights will be violated

Question 21

M’Naughton Rule

Answer 21

Basis for insanity defense in US