(a) Psychologists arrange for appropriate consultations and referrals based principally on the best interests of their patients or clients, with appropriate consent, and subject to other relevant considerations, including applicable law and contractual obligations. The APA Code of Ethics was formulated in 1953, though many of the principles held within may date earlier. (a) Psychologists provide services, teach, and conduct research only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, or appropriate professional experience. Since, there have been nine revisions with the most recent published in 2002 and amended in 2010. American Psychological Association. (a) Psychologists take responsibility and credit, including authorship credit, only for work they have actually performed or to which they have contributed. Psychologists make reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity and security of tests and other assessment techniques consistent with law, contractual obligations, and in a manner that permits compliance with the requirements of this Ethics Code. (b) If psychologists will be precluded by law or by organizational roles from providing such information to particular individuals or groups, they so inform those individuals or groups at the outset of the service. (a) Psychologists do not base their assessment or intervention decisions or recommendations on data or test results that are outdated for the current purpose. ), 2.07 Obsolete tests and outdated test results. (a) Psychologists discuss with persons and organizations with whom they establish a scientific or professional relationship (including, to the extent feasible, minors and their legal rep- resentatives) (1) the relevant limitations on confidentiality, including limitations where applicable in group, marital, and family therapy or in organizational consulting, and (2) the foreseeable uses of the information generated through their services. (a) Psychologists do not participate in activities in which it appears likely that their skills or data will be misused by others, unless corrective mechanisms are available. (b) Psychologists recognize limits to the certainty with which diagnoses, judgments, or predictions can be made about individuals. 3.03 Avoidance of false or deceptive statements, (a) Psychologists do not make public statements that are false, deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent, either because of what they state, convey, or suggest or because of what they omit, concerning their research, practice, or other work activities or those of per- sons or organizations with which they are affiliated. [21], During the Iraq War, Amnesty International released a series of reports, calling attention to violations of the human rights of prisoners in Abu Ghraib Prison and American detention camps, and the role of the United States and the United Kingdom in enacting these abuses. Culture, politics, the legal system, the economy and the healthcare system have all been influential in the development of the past and current ethical codes. (See also Standard 6.18, Providing participants with information about the study.). This is usually done through the completion of continuing education credits. The record keeping and fees standard of the APA ethical standards is developed to guide psychologists in maintaining records of professional and scientific work in confidentiality. American Psychologist, 13, 268- 271. Psychologists are also required to maintain competence. (d) Psychologists do not misrepresent their fees. Failure to cooperate is itself an ethics violation. Psychologists have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to respect the confidentiality rights of those with whom they work or consult, recognizing that confidentiality may be established by law, institutional rules, or professional or scientific relationships. 6.02 Descriptions of education and training programs. Further, if there has been some harm caused to the participant due to participation in the study, necessary steps should be followed to minimize the harm. The section goes on to outline how to accurately and honestly describe workshops and non-degree granting educational programs. A psychologist makes plans in advance so that confidentiality of records and data is protected in the event of the psychologist's death, incapacity, or withdrawal from the position or practice. Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with current patients or clients. Ethical standards of psychologists. In their work-related activities, psychologists do not engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, or any basis proscribed by law. Psychological research is often misrepresented. Presents the American Psychological Association's Ethics Code. (a) In academic and supervisory relationships, psychologists establish an appropriate process for providing feedback to students and supervisees. Psychologists must always be sensitive to the potential harmful effects of other contacts on their work and on those persons with whom they deal. Psychologists ordinarily refrain from accepting goods, services, or other nonmonetary remuneration from patients or clients in return for psychological services because such arrangements create inherent potential for conflicts, exploitation, and distortion of the professional relationship. Outlines are also provided for delegating work to others and resolving personal problems and conflicts. (b) When entering into employment or contractual relationships, psychologists provide for orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for patient or client care in the event that the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount con- sideration given to the welfare of the patient or client. Guidelines are also provided for how to ethically record therapy sessions for various reasons including training. (See also Standards 1.25, Fees and financial arrangements, and 5.01, Discussing the limits of confidentiality.). Psychologists do not present substantial portions or elements of another's work or data as their own, even if the other work or data source is cited occasionally. (d) Psychologists ensure that all individuals using animals under their supervision have received instruction in research methods and in the care, maintenance, and handling of the species being used, to the extent appropriate to their role. Psychologists do not accept as therapy patients or clients persons with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies. (c) When psychologists conduct research with individuals such as students or subordinates, psychologists take special care to protect the prospective participants from adverse consequences of declining or withdrawing from participation. The research and publication standard of the APA ethical standards is developed to highlight research and publication ethics that psychologists are expected to adhere to. [1] Prior to 1981, there was no principle or standard that addressed conflict between law and ethics. [11], In the task force's report, the APA recommends that therapists adopt an affirmative, supportive approach for clients who present for therapy to change their sexual orientation rather than attempting to convert their sexual orientation. They maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information related to the services they render, and they recognize the need for ongoing education. Psychologists using an interpreter are expected to obtain informed consent from the client for the use of an interpreter as well as maintain confidentiality and test security. American Psychological Association. (b) Psychologists discuss confidential information obtained in clinical or consulting relationships, or evaluative data concerning patients, individual or organizational clients, students, research participants, supervisees, and employees, only for appropriate scientific or professional purposes and only with persons clearly concerned with such matters. (a) Psychologists obtain appropriate informed consent to therapy or related procedures, using language that is reasonably understandable to participants. (See also Standard 7.04, Truthfulness and candor.). Sexual harassment can consist of a single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or pervasive acts. (See also Standard 1.17, Multiple relationships. (e) For persons who are legally incapable of giving informed consent, psychologists nevertheless (1) provide an appropriate explanation, (2) obtain the participant's assent, and (3) obtain appropriate permission from a legally authorized person, if such substitute consent is permitted by law. Psychologists take reasonable measures to honor all commitments they have made to research participants. (c) If psychologists learn of deceptive statements about their work made by others, psychologists make reasonable efforts to correct such statements. 4.05 Sexual intimacies With current patients or clients. This publication, however, had been preceded by a committee devoted to ethical concerns that had been formed in 1938, and was based on the work of a committee organized in 1947 (Canter, Bennett, Jones, & Nagy, 1994). Ethical standards of psychologists. [1] The need for such a document came after psychologists were taking on more professional and public roles post-World War II. Since 1953, nine revised edi-tions of the ethical code have been published, including the most recent edition published in 2002. In the process of making decisions regarding their professional behavior, psychologists must consider this Ethics Code, in addition to applicable laws and psychology board regulations. In an event of an emergency, psychologists are not allowed to withhold records of clients who have failed to make payments. ), (b) Psychologists' assessments, recommendations, reports, and psychological diagnostic or evaluative statements are based on information and techniques (including personal interviews of the individual when appropriate) sufficient to provide appropriate substantiation for their findings. Human services is a profession developed in response to the direction of human needs and human problems in the 1960's. (See also Standards 1.06, Basis for scientific and professional judgments; 1.08, Human differences; 1.15, Misuse of psychologists' influence; and 1.23, Documentation of professional and scientific work. 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 Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. The current version of the code was developed in 2002, became effective in 2003, and was amended in 2010. (b) Because sexual intimacies with a former therapy patient or client are so frequently harmful to the patient or client, and because such intimacies undermine public confidence in the psy- chology profession and thereby deter the public's use of needed services, psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former therapy patients and clients even after a two-year interval except in the most unusual circumstances. [28], It has been suggested that portions of this section be, Principle A: Beneficence and nonmaleficence, Principle E: Respect for people's rights and dignity, Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, "A Code of Ethics for Psychology: How Did We Get Here? addresses the crucial concerns of CMHCs. These types of behavior have strong adverse influences on mental health. [7] Themes that emerged reflected many of the political and social issues of the time including racial segregation, post-war politics, and the testing industry. (c) Psychologists attempt to identify situations in which particular interventions or assessment techniques or norms may not be applicable or may require adjustment in administration or inter- pretation because of factors such as individuals' gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic status. [1] A committee was developed and reviewed situations submitted by psychologists in the field who felt they had encountered ethical dilemmas. When consulting with colleagues, (1) psychologists do not share confidential information that reasonably could lead to the identification of a patient, client, research participant, or other person or organization with whom they have a confidential relationship unless they have obtained the prior consent of the person or organization or the disclosure cannot be avoided, and (2) they share information only to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation. Psychologists are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to the community and the society in which they work and live. 1.23 Documentation of professional and scientific work. Minor contributions to the research or to the writing for publications are appropriately acknowledged, such as in footnotes or in an introductory statement. The Code is intended to provide both the principles and the rules to cover professional situations encountered by edu-cation researchers. This standard emphasizes the necessity of approval by the institute prior to carrying out the research, providing accurate information about the research study, and carrying out the research in accordance with the approval. Whether or not a psychologist has violated the Ethics Code does not by itself determine whether he or she is legally liable in a court action, whether a contract is enforceable, or whether other legal consequences occur. (a) When a psychologist agrees to provide services to a person or entity at the request of a third party, the psychologist clarifies to the extent feasible, at the outset of the service, the nature of the relationship with each party. If the Ethics Code establishes a higher standard of conduct than is required by law, psychologists must meet the higher ethical standard. (See also Standard 7.02, Forensic Assessments. The justice principle of the APA general principles states that people are entitled to the advances made within the field of psychology and to the services offered by professionals within the field. Previous revisions with changes indicated: Conversion therapy (also referred to as reparative therapy) is the practice of attempting to change the patient’s sexual orientation to heterosexual. When appropriate, they consult with colleagues in order to prevent or avoid unethical conduct. (1953). Psychologists are bound to the community by way of their profession and must conduct themselves in a responsible and ethical manner while also maintaining a similar check on colleagues. Psychologists are expected to teach accurate and current material supported by scientific evidence. The development of a dynamic set of ethical standards for a psychologist's work-related conduct requires a personal commitment to a lifelong effort to act ethically; to encourage ethical behavior by students, supervisees, employees, and colleagues, as appropriate; and to consult with others, as needed, concerning ethical problems. Psychologists should not engage in sexual relationships with current clients or with those closely related to clients. It also informs the reader of its organization, applicability, and procedural matters. ), 5.07 Confidential information in databases. (1968). (c) Permission for electronic recording of interviews is secured from clients and patients. Psychologists who engage in assessment, therapy, teaching, research, organizational consulting, or other professional activities maintain a reasonable level of awareness of current scientific and professional information in their fields of activity, and undertake ongoing efforts to maintain competence in the skills they use. It includes the clinical or counseling practice of psychology, research, teaching, supervision of trainees, devel- opment of assessment instruments, conducting assessments, educational counseling, organizational consulting, social intervention, administration, and other activities as well. This is because every professional group has a code of conduct which stipulates what is admissible behavior within the profession. If the demands of an organization with which psychologists are affiliated conflict with this Ethics Code, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and to the extent feasible, seek to resolve the conflict in a way that permits the fullest adherence to the Ethics Code. Psychologists who perform forensic functions, such as assessments, interviews, consultations, reports, or expert testimony, must comply with all other provisions of this Ethics Code to the extent that they apply to such activities. American Nurses Association, 2015, Provision 1.4; American Psychological Association, 2017, Standard 3.04) Narrative citations to sections of an ethics code: American Counseling Association (2014, Section A.1.d. Prior to conducting research (except research involving only anonymous surveys, naturalistic observations, or similar research), psychologists enter into an agreement with participants that clarifies the nature of the research and the responsibilities of each party. [3], Currently, the APA enforces ethical standards to protect nonhuman animal subjects from unnecessary harm during the research process. [1] The committee organized these situations into themes and included them in the first document which was 170 pages in length. This section also outlines how to avoid harm when treating patients. Some of the requirements for using nonhuman animals in research include: proper justification of the research, maintenance and inspection of appropriate housing for the animals, minimizing discomfort and stress whenever possible, and preference of noninvasive measures. In addition to actions for violation of the Ethics Code, the APA Bylaws provide that APA may take action against a member after his or her conviction of a felony, expulsion or suspension from an affiliated state psychological association, or suspension or loss of licensure. (1992). (a) Psychologists recognize that their personal problems and conflicts may interfere with their effectiveness. [3] Likewise, the U.S. (a) As early as is feasible in a professional or scientific relationship, the psychologist and the patient, client, or other appropriate recipient of psychological services reach an agreement specifying the compensation and the billing arrangements. The competence section of the APA Ethical Standards is designed to guide psychologists in how to define their own competence and how to approach clients or patients that might fall outside of that area of expertise. 8.04 Informal resolution of ethical violations. This Code is also accompanied by the Rules and Procedures of the ASA Committee on Professional Ethics which describe the procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving complaints of unethical conduct. The psychologist who engages in such activity after the two years following cessation or termination of treatment bears the burden of demonstrating that there has been no exploitation, in light of all relevant factors, including (1) the amount of time that has passed since therapy terminated, (2) the nature and duration of the therapy, (3) the circumstances of termination, (4) the patient's or client's personal history, (5) the patient's or client's current mental status, (6) the likelihood of adverse impact on the patient or client and others, and (7) any statements or actions made by the therapist during the course of therapy suggesting or inviting the possibility of a post-termination sexual or romantic relationship with the patient or client. Psychologists strive to be aware of their own belief systems, values, needs, and limitations and the effect of these on their work. In certain situations where the safety of the patient or others is at risk, confidentiality must be broken as law enforcement needs to be motivated. (h) Surgical procedures are performed under appropriate anesthesia; techniques to avoid infection and minimize pain are followed during and after surgery. Unless the nature of the relationship is clearly explained to the person being assessed in advance and precludes provision of an explanation of results (such as in some organizational consulting, pre-employment or security screenings, and forensic evaluations), psychologists ensure that an explanation of the results is provided using language that is reasonably understandable to the person assessed or to another legally authorized person on behalf of the client. If psychologists' ethical responsibilities conflict with law, psychologists make known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner. At the conclusion of the study, each participant should be presented with a summary of the study and the participant should be provided with an opportunity to ask any questions he/she has. (b) Principal authorship and other publication credits accurately reflect the relative scientific or professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their relative status. It is the individual responsibility of each psychologist to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct. This Code is also accompanied by the Polici es and Procedures of the ASA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), which describe the procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving complaints of unethical conduct. This entails awareness of the vulnerabilities experienced by any particular population of people and necessitates understanding of and respect for diversity, including, but not limited to, factors concerning gender, race, religion, disability, and socioeconomic status. (d) Psychologists make reasonable efforts to answer patients' questions and to avoid apparent misunderstandings about therapy. The code of conduct is applicable to psychologists in a variety of areas across a variety of contexts. [16] Some scientists believe that this low approval rate is primarily the result of receiving manipulative misinformation from anti-animal research groups. This clarification includes the role of the psychologist and the probable uses of the services provided or the information obtained. 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