APA ETHICAL
PRINICIPLES AND CODE OF CONDUCT (2002)
UDM SEXUAL
HARASSMENT POLICY
Below you will
find a Table of Contents for the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code
of Conduct. Just click on the main
heading to go immediately to that section.
2002
History and Effective Date Footnote
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4.01 Maintaining
Confidentiality |
8.01
Institutional Approval |
4.02 Discussing
the Limits of Confidentiality |
8.02 Informed
Consent to Research |
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4.03 Recording |
8.03 Informed Consent
for Recording Voices and Images in Research |
4.04 Minimizing
Intrusions on Privacy |
8.04
Client/Patient, Student, and Subordinate Research Participants |
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4.05 Disclosures
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8.05 Dispensing
With Informed Consent for Research |
4.06
Consultations |
8.06 Offering
Inducements for Research Participation |
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4.07 Use of
Confidential Information for Didactic or Other Purposes |
8.07 Deception
in Research |
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8.08 Debriefing |
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8.09 Humane Care
and Use of Animals in Research |
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5.01 Avoidance of
False or Deceptive Statements |
8.10 Reporting
Research Results |
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5.02 Statements
by Others |
8.11 Plagiarism |
5.03 Descriptions
of Workshops and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs |
8.12 Publication
Credit |
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5.04 Media
Presentations |
8.13 Duplicate
Publication of Data |
5.05 Testimonials
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8.14 Sharing
Research Data for Verification |
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1.01 Misuse of
Psychologists’ Work |
5.06 In-Person
Solicitation |
8.15 Reviewers |
1.02 Conflicts
Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority |
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1.03 Conflicts
Between Ethics and Organizational Demands |
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1.04 Informal
Resolution of Ethical Violations |
6.01 Documentation
of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records |
9.01 Bases for
Assessments |
1.05 Reporting
Ethical Violations |
6.02
Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records of
Professional and Scientific Work |
9.02 Use of
Assessments |
1.06 Cooperating
With Ethics Committees |
6.03 Withholding
Records for Nonpayment |
9.03 Informed
Consent in Assessments |
1.07 Improper
Complaints |
6.04 Fees and
Financial Arrangements |
9.04 Release of
Test Data |
1.08 Unfair
Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents |
6.05 Barter With
Clients/Patients |
9.05 Test
Construction |
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6.06 Accuracy in
Reports to Payors and Funding Sources |
9.06
Interpreting Assessment Results |
6.07 Referrals
and Fees |
9.07 Assessment
by Unqualified Persons |
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2.01 Boundaries
of Competence |
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9.08 Obsolete
Tests and Outdated Test Results |
2.02 Providing
Services in Emergencies |
9.09 Test
Scoring and Interpretation Services |
|
2.03 Maintaining
Competence |
7.01 Design of
Education and Training Programs |
9.10 Explaining
Assessment Results |
2.04 Bases for
Scientific and Professional Judgments |
7.02
Descriptions of Education and Training Programs |
9.11.
Maintaining Test Security |
2.05 Delegation
of Work to Others |
7.03 Accuracy in
Teaching |
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2.06 Personal
Problems and Conflicts |
7.04 Student
Disclosure of Personal Information |
|
|
7.05 Mandatory
Individual or Group Therapy |
10.01 Informed
Consent to Therapy |
7.06 Assessing
Student and Supervisee Performance |
10.02 Therapy
Involving Couples or Families |
|
3.01 Unfair
Discrimination |
7.07 Sexual
Relationships With Students and Supervisees |
10.03 Group
Therapy |
3.02 Sexual
Harassment |
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10.04 Providing
Therapy to Those Served by Others |
3.03 Other
Harassment |
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10.05 Sexual
Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients |
3.04 Avoiding
Harm |
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10.06 Sexual
Intimacies With Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy Clients/Patients
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3.05 Multiple
Relationships |
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10.07 Therapy
With Former Sexual Partners |
3.06 Conflict of
Interest |
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10.08 Sexual
Intimacies With Former Therapy Clients/Patients |
3.07 Third-Party
Requests for Services |
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10.09 Interruption
of Therapy |
3.08
Exploitative Relationships |
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10.10
Terminating Therapy |
3.09 Cooperation
With Other Professionals |
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3.10 Informed
Consent |
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3.11
Psychological Services Delivered To or Through Organizations |
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3.12
Interruption of Psychological Services |
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The American Psychological Association's
(APA's) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (hereinafter
referred to as the Ethics Code) consists of an Introduction, a Preamble, five
General Principles (A – E), and specific Ethical Standards. The Introduction
discusses the intent, organization, procedural considerations, and scope of application
of the Ethics Code. The Preamble and General Principles are aspirational goals
to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of psychology. Although the
Preamble and General Principles are not themselves enforceable rules, they
should be considered by psychologists in arriving at an ethical course of
action. The Ethical Standards set forth enforceable rules for conduct as
psychologists. Most of the Ethical Standards are written broadly, in order to
apply to psychologists in varied roles, although the application of an Ethical
Standard may vary depending on the context. The Ethical Standards are not
exhaustive. The fact that a given conduct is not specifically addressed by an
Ethical Standard does not mean that it is necessarily either ethical or unethical.
This Ethics Code applies only to
psychologists' activities that are part of their scientific, educational, or
professional roles as psychologists. Areas covered include but are not limited
to the clinical, counseling, and school practice of psychology; research;
teaching; supervision of trainees; public service; policy development; social
intervention; development of assessment instruments; conducting assessments;
educational counseling; organizational consulting; forensic activities; program
design and evaluation; and administration. This Ethics Code applies to these
activities across a variety of contexts, such as in person, postal, telephone,
internet, and other electronic transmissions. These activities shall be
distinguished from the purely private conduct of psychologists, which is not
within the purview of the Ethics Code.
Membership in the APA commits members and
student affiliates to comply with the standards of the APA Ethics Code and to
the rules and procedures used to enforce them. Lack of awareness or
misunderstanding of an Ethical Standard is not itself a defense to a charge of
unethical conduct.
The procedures for filing, investigating,
and resolving complaints of unethical conduct are described in the current
Rules and Procedures of the APA Ethics Committee. APA may impose sanctions on
its members for violations of the standards of the Ethics Code, including
termination of APA membership, and may notify other bodies and individuals of
its actions. Actions that violate the standards of the Ethics Code may also
lead to the imposition of sanctions on psychologists or students whether or not
they are APA members by bodies other than APA, including state psychological
associations, other professional groups, psychology boards, other state or
federal agencies, and payors for health services. In addition, 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. When the sanction to be imposed by APA is less than
expulsion, the 2001 Rules and Procedures do not guarantee an opportunity for an
in-person hearing, but generally provide that complaints will be resolved only
on the basis of a submitted record.
The Ethics Code is intended to provide
guidance for psychologists and standards of professional conduct that can be
applied by the APA and by other bodies that choose to adopt them. The Ethics
Code is not intended to be a basis of civil liability. Whether a psychologist
has violated the Ethics Code standards does not by itself determine whether the
psychologist is legally liable in a court action, whether a contract is
enforceable, or whether other legal consequences occur.
The modifiers used in some of the standards
of this Ethics Code (e.g., reasonably,
appropriate, potentially) are included in the standards when they
would (1) allow professional judgment on the part of psychologists, (2)
eliminate injustice or inequality that would occur without the modifier, (3)
ensure applicability across the broad range of activities conducted by
psychologists, or (4) guard against a set of rigid rules that might be quickly
outdated. As used in this Ethics Code, 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.
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 applying the
Ethics Code to their professional work, psychologists may consider other
materials and guidelines that have been adopted or endorsed by scientific and
professional psychological organizations and the dictates of their own
conscience, as well as consult with others within the field. 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 this Ethics Code and
take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner. If the conflict is
unresolvable via such means, psychologists may adhere to the requirements of
the law, regulations, or other governing authority in keeping with basic
principles of human rights.
Psychologists are committed to increasing
scientific and professional knowledge of behavior and people’s understanding of
themselves and others and to the use of such knowledge to improve the condition
of individuals, organizations, and society. Psychologists respect and protect
civil and human rights and the central importance of freedom of inquiry and
expression in research, teaching, and publication. They strive to help the
public in developing informed judgments and choices concerning human behavior. In
doing so, they perform many roles, such as researcher, educator, diagnostician,
therapist, supervisor, consultant, administrator, social interventionist, and
expert witness. This Ethics Code provides a common set of principles and
standards upon which psychologists build their professional and scientific
work.
This Ethics Code is intended to provide
specific standards to cover most situations encountered by psychologists. It
has as its goals the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom
psychologists work and the education of members, students, and the public
regarding ethical standards of the discipline.
The development of a dynamic set of ethical
standards for psychologists’ work-related conduct requires a personal
commitment and lifelong effort to act ethically; to encourage ethical behavior
by students, supervisees, employees, and colleagues; and to consult with others
concerning ethical problems.
This section consists of General Principles.
General Principles, as opposed to Ethical Standards, are aspirational in
nature. Their intent is to guide and inspire psychologists toward the very
highest ethical ideals of the profession. General Principles, in contrast to
Ethical Standards, do not represent obligations and should not form the basis
for imposing sanctions. Relying upon General Principles for either of these
reasons distorts both their meaning and purpose.
Psychologists strive to benefit those with
whom they work and take care to do no harm. In their professional actions,
psychologists seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of those with whom they
interact professionally and other affected persons, and the welfare of animal
subjects of research. When conflicts occur among psychologists' obligations or
concerns, they attempt to resolve these conflicts in a responsible fashion that
avoids or minimizes harm. Because psychologists' scientific and professional
judgments and actions may affect the lives of others, they are alert to and
guard against personal, financial, social, organizational, or political factors
that might lead to misuse of their influence. Psychologists strive to be aware
of the possible effect of their own physical and mental health on their ability
to help those with whom they work.
Psychologists establish relationships of
trust with those with whom they work. They are aware of their professional and
scientific responsibilities to society and to the specific communities in which
they work. Psychologists uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify
their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for
their behavior, and seek to manage conflicts of interest that could lead to
exploitation or harm. Psychologists consult with, refer to, or cooperate with
other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best
interests of those with whom they work. They are concerned about the ethical
compliance of their colleagues' scientific and professional conduct.
Psychologists strive to contribute a portion of their professional time for
little or no compensation or personal advantage.
Psychologists seek to promote accuracy,
honesty, and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology.
In these activities psychologists do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud,
subterfuge, or intentional misrepresentation of fact. Psychologists strive to
keep their promises and to avoid unwise or unclear commitments. In situations
in which deception may be ethically justifiable to maximize benefits and
minimize harm, psychologists have a serious obligation to consider the need
for, the possible consequences of, and their responsibility to correct any
resulting mistrust or other harmful effects that arise from the use of such
techniques.
Psychologists
recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access to and
benefit from the contributions of psychology and to equal quality in the
processes, procedures, and services being conducted by psychologists.
Psychologists exercise reasonable judgment and take precautions to ensure that
their potential biases, the boundaries of their competence, and the limitations
of their expertise do not lead to or condone unjust practices.
Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity
Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of
all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and
self-determination. Psychologists are aware that special safeguards may be
necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose
vulnerabilities impair autonomous decision making. Psychologists are aware of
and respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based
on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin,
religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status
and consider these factors when working with members of such groups.
Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on
those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities
of others based upon such prejudices.
If psychologists learn of misuse or misrepresentation
of their work, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or
misrepresentation.
If psychologists' ethical responsibilities
conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal authority,
psychologists make known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take steps to
resolve the conflict. If the conflict is unresolvable via such means,
psychologists may adhere to the requirements of the law, regulations, or other
governing legal authority.
If the demands of an organization with which
psychologists are affiliated or for whom they are working 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, resolve the conflict
in a way that permits adherence to the Ethics Code.
When psychologists believe that there may
have been an ethical violation by another psychologist, they attempt to resolve
the issue by bringing it to the attention of that individual, if an informal
resolution appears appropriate and the intervention does not violate any
confidentiality rights that may be involved. (See also Standards 1.02,
Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal
Authority, and 1.03, Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands.)
If an apparent ethical violation has
substantially harmed or is likely to substantially harm a person or
organization and is not appropriate for informal resolution under Standard
1.04, Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations, or is not resolved properly in
that fashion, psychologists take further action appropriate to the situation.
Such action might include referral to state or national committees on
professional ethics, to state licensing boards, or to the appropriate
institutional authorities. This standard does not apply when an intervention
would violate confidentiality rights or when psychologists have been retained
to review the work of another psychologist whose professional conduct is in
question. (See also Standard 1.02, Conflicts Between Ethics and Law,
Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority.)
Psychologists cooperate in ethics
investigations, proceedings, and resulting requirements of the APA or any
affiliated state psychological association to which they belong. In doing so,
they address any confidentiality issues. Failure to cooperate is itself an
ethics violation. However, making a request for deferment of adjudication of an
ethics complaint pending the outcome of litigation does not alone constitute
noncooperation.
Psychologists do not file or encourage the
filing of ethics complaints that are made with reckless disregard for or
willful ignorance of facts that would disprove the allegation.
Psychologists do not deny persons
employment, advancement, admissions to academic or other programs, tenure, or
promotion, based solely upon their having made or their being the subject of an
ethics complaint. This does not preclude taking action based upon the outcome
of such proceedings or considering other appropriate information.
(a) Psychologists provide services, teach,
and conduct research with populations and in areas only within the boundaries
of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience,
consultation, study, or professional experience.
(b) Where scientific or professional
knowledge in the discipline of psychology establishes that an understanding of
factors associated with age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture,
national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or
socioeconomic status is essential for effective implementation of their
services or research, psychologists have or obtain the training, experience,
consultation, or supervision necessary to ensure the competence of their
services, or they make appropriate referrals, except as provided in Standard
2.02, Providing Services in Emergencies.
(c) Psychologists planning to provide
services, teach, or conduct research involving populations, areas, techniques,
or technologies new to them undertake relevant education, training, supervised
experience, consultation, or study.
(d) When psychologists are asked to provide
services to individuals for whom appropriate mental health services are not
available and for which psychologists have not obtained the competence
necessary, psychologists with closely related prior training or experience may
provide such services in order to ensure that services are not denied if they
make a reasonable effort to obtain the competence required by using relevant
research, training, consultation, or study.
(e) In those emerging areas in which
generally recognized standards for preparatory training do not yet exist,
psychologists nevertheless take reasonable steps to ensure the competence of
their work and to protect clients/patients, students, supervisees, research
participants, organizational clients, and others from harm.
(f) When assuming forensic roles,
psychologists are or become reasonably familiar with the judicial or
administrative rules governing their roles.
In emergencies, when psychologists provide
services to individuals for whom other mental health services are not available
and for which psychologists have not obtained the necessary training,
psychologists may provide such services in order to ensure that services are
not denied. The services are discontinued as soon as the emergency has ended or
appropriate services are available.
Psychologists undertake ongoing efforts to
develop and maintain their competence.
Psychologists’ work is based upon
established scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline. (See also
Standards 2.01e, Boundaries of Competence, and 10.01b, Informed Consent to
Therapy.)
Psychologists who delegate work to
employees, supervisees, or research or teaching assistants or who use the
services of others, such as interpreters, take reasonable steps to (1) avoid
delegating such work to persons who have a multiple relationship with those
being served that would likely lead to exploitation or loss of objectivity; (2)
authorize only those responsibilities that such persons can be expected to
perform competently on the basis of their education, training, or experience,
either independently or with the level of supervision being provided; and (3)
see that such persons perform these services competently. (See also Standards
2.02, Providing Services in Emergencies; 3.05, Multiple Relationships; 4.01,
Maintaining Confidentiality; 9.01, Bases for Assessments; 9.02, Use of
Assessments; 9.03, Informed Consent in Assessments; and 9.07, Assessment by
Unqualified Persons.)
(a) Psychologists refrain from initiating an
activity when they know or should know that there is a substantial likelihood
that their personal problems will prevent them from performing their
work-related activities in a competent manner.
(b) When psychologists become aware of
personal problems that may interfere with their performing work-related duties
adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional
consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit, suspend,
or terminate their work-related duties. (See also Standard 10.10, Terminating
Therapy.)
In their work-related activities, psychologists
do not engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity,
race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation,
disability, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.
Psychologists do not
engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or
nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, that occurs in connection with the
psychologist’s activities or roles as a psychologist, and that either (1) is
unwelcome, is offensive, or creates a hostile workplace or educational
environment, and the psychologist knows or is told this or (2) is sufficiently
severe or intense to be abusive to a reasonable person in the
context. Sexual harassment can consist of a single intense or severe act or of
multiple persistent or pervasive acts. (See also Standard 1.08, Unfair
Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents.)
Psychologists do not knowingly engage in
behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons with whom they interact in
their work based on factors such as those persons’ age, gender, gender
identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic status.
Psychologists take reasonable steps to avoid
harming their clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants,
organizational clients, and others with whom they work, and to minimize harm
where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.
(a)
A multiple relationship occurs when a psychologist is in a professional role
with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same person,
(2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with
or related to the person with whom the psychologist has the professional
relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future
with the person or a person closely associated with or related to the person.
A
psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the
multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist’s
objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as
a psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom
the professional relationship exists.
Multiple relationships that would not
reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm are not
unethical.
(b) If a psychologist finds that, due to
unforeseen factors, a potentially harmful multiple relationship has arisen, the
psychologist takes reasonable steps to resolve it with due regard for the best
interests of the affected person and maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.
(c) When psychologists are required by law,
institutional policy, or extraordinary circumstances to serve in more than one
role in judicial or administrative proceedings, at the outset they clarify role
expectations and the extent of confidentiality and thereafter as changes occur.
(See also Standards 3.04, Avoiding Harm, and 3.07, Third-Party Requests for
Services.)
Psychologists refrain from taking on a
professional role when personal, scientific, professional, legal, financial, or
other interests or relationships could reasonably be expected to (1) impair
their objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing their functions
as psychologists or (2) expose the person or organization with whom the
professional relationship exists to harm or exploitation.
When psychologists agree to provide services
to a person or entity at the request of a third party, psychologists attempt to
clarify at the outset of the service the nature of the relationship with all
individuals or organizations involved. This clarification includes the role of
the psychologist (e.g., therapist, consultant, diagnostician, or expert
witness), an identification of who is the client, the probable uses of the services
provided or the information obtained, and the fact that there may be limits to
confidentiality. (See also Standards 3.05, Multiple Relationships, and 4.02,
Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality.)
Psychologists do not exploit persons over
whom they have supervisory, evaluative, or other authority such as
clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, and employees.
(See also Standards 3.05, Multiple Relationships; 6.04, Fees and Financial
Arrangements; 6.05, Barter With Clients/Patients; 7.07, Sexual Relationships
With Students and Supervisees; 10.05, Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy
Clients/Patients; 10.06, Sexual Intimacies With Relatives or Significant Others
of Current Therapy Clients/Patients; 10.07, Therapy With Former Sexual
Partners; and 10.08, Sexual Intimacies With Former Therapy Clients/Patients.)
When indicated and professionally
appropriate, psychologists cooperate with other professionals in order to serve
their clients/patients effectively and appropriately. (See also Standard 4.05,
Disclosures.)
(a) When psychologists conduct research or
provide assessment, therapy, counseling, or consulting services in person or via
electronic transmission or other forms of communication, they obtain the
informed consent of the individual or individuals using language that is
reasonably understandable to that person or persons except when conducting such
activities without consent is mandated by law or governmental regulation or as
otherwise provided in this Ethics Code.
(See also Standards 8.02, Informed Consent
to Research; 9.03, Informed Consent in Assessments; and 10.01, Informed Consent
to Therapy.)
(b) For persons who are legally incapable of
giving informed consent, psychologists nevertheless (1) provide an appropriate
explanation, (2) seek the individual's assent, (3) consider such persons'
preferences and best interests, and (4) obtain appropriate permission from a
legally authorized person, if such substitute consent is permitted or required
by law. When consent by a legally authorized person is not permitted or
required by law, psychologists take reasonable steps to protect the
individual’s rights and welfare.
(c) When psychological services are court
ordered or otherwise mandated, psychologists inform the individual of the
nature of the anticipated services, including whether the services are court
ordered or mandated and any limits of confidentiality, before proceeding.
(d) Psychologists appropriately document
written or oral consent, permission, and assent. (See also Standards 8.02,
Informed Consent to Research; 9.03, Informed Consent in Assessments; and 10.01,
Informed Consent to Therapy.)
(a) Psychologists delivering services to or
through organizations provide information beforehand to clients and when
appropriate those directly affected by the services about (1) the nature and objectives
of the services, (2) the intended recipients, (3) which of the individuals are
clients, (4) the relationship the psychologist will have with each person and
the organization, (5) the probable uses of services provided and information
obtained, (6) who will have access to the information, and (7) limits of
confidentiality. As soon as feasible, they provide information about the
results and conclusions of such services to appropriate persons.
(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.
Unless otherwise covered by contract,
psychologists make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating services in the
event that psychological services are interrupted by factors such as the
psychologist's illness, death, unavailability, relocation, or retirement or by
the client’s/patient’s relocation or financial limitations. (See also Standard
6.02c, Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records of
Professional and Scientific Work.)
Psychologists have a primary obligation and
take reasonable precautions to protect confidential information obtained
through or stored in any medium, recognizing that the extent and limits of
confidentiality may be regulated by law or established by institutional rules
or professional or scientific relationship. (See also Standard 2.05, Delegation
of Work to Others.)
(a) Psychologists discuss with persons
(including, to the extent feasible, persons who are legally incapable of giving
informed consent and their legal representatives) and organizations with whom
they establish a scientific or professional relationship (1) the relevant
limits of confidentiality and (2) the foreseeable uses of the information
generated through their psychological activities. (See also Standard 3.10,
Informed Consent.)
(b) Unless it is not feasible or is
contraindicated, the discussion of confidentiality occurs at the outset of the
relationship and thereafter as new circumstances may warrant.
(c) Psychologists who offer services,
products, or information via electronic transmission inform clients/patients of
the risks to privacy and limits of confidentiality.
Before recording the voices or images of
individuals to whom they provide services, psychologists obtain permission from
all such persons or their legal representatives. (See also Standards 8.03,
Informed Consent for Recording Voices and Images in Research; 8.05, Dispensing
With Informed Consent for Research; and 8.07, Deception in Research.)
(a) Psychologists include in written and
oral reports and consultations, only information germane to the purpose for
which the communication is made.
(b) Psychologists discuss confidential
information obtained in their work only for appropriate scientific or
professional purposes and only with persons clearly concerned with such
matters.
(a) Psychologists may disclose confidential
information with the appropriate consent of the organizational client, the
individual client/patient, or another legally authorized person on behalf of
the client/patient unless prohibited by law.
(b) Psychologists disclose confidential
information without the consent of the individual only as mandated by law, or
where permitted by law for a valid purpose such as to (1) provide needed
professional services; (2) obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3)
protect the client/patient, psychologist, or others from harm; or (4) obtain
payment for services from a client/patient, in which instance disclosure is
limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose. (See also
Standard 6.04e, Fees and Financial Arrangements.)
When consulting with colleagues, (1)
psychologists do not disclose confidential information that reasonably could
lead to the identification of a client/patient, 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 disclose information only to the
extent necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation. (See also
Standard 4.01, Maintaining Confidentiality.)
Psychologists do not disclose in their
writings, lectures, or other public media, confidential, personally identifiable
information concerning their clients/patients, students, research participants,
organizational clients, or other recipients of their services that they
obtained during the course of their work, unless (1) they take reasonable steps
to disguise the person or organization, (2) the person or organization has
consented in writing, or (3) there is legal authorization for doing so.
(a) Public statements include but are not
limited to paid or unpaid advertising, product endorsements, grant
applications, licensing applications, other credentialing applications,
brochures, printed matter, directory listings, personal resumes or curricula
vitae, or comments for use in media such as print or electronic transmission,
statements in legal proceedings, lectures and public oral presentations, and
published materials. Psychologists do not knowingly make public statements that
are false, deceptive, or fraudulent concerning their research, practice, or
other work activities or those of persons or organizations with which they are
affiliated.
(b) Psychologists do not make false,
deceptive, or fraudulent statements concerning (1) their training, experience,
or competence; (2) their academic degrees; (3) their credentials; (4) their
institutional or association affiliations; (5) their services; (6) the
scientific or clinical basis for, or results or degree of success of, their
services; (7) their fees; or (8) their publications or research findings.
(c) Psychologists claim degrees as
credentials for their health services only if those degrees (1) were earned
from a regionally accredited educational institution or (2) were the basis for
psychology licensure by the state in which they practice.
(a) Psychologists who engage others to
create or place public statements that promote their professional practice,
products, or activities retain professional responsibility for such statements.
(b) Psychologists do not compensate
employees of press, radio, television, or other communication media in return
for publicity in a news item. (See also Standard 1.01, Misuse of Psychologists’
Work.)
(c) A paid advertisement relating to
psychologists' activities must be identified or clearly recognizable as such.
To the degree to which they exercise
control, psychologists responsible for announcements, catalogs, brochures, or
advertisements describing workshops, seminars, or other non-degree-granting
educational programs ensure that they accurately describe the audience for
which the program is intended, the educational objectives, the presenters, and
the fees involved.
When psychologists provide public advice or
comment via print, internet, or other electronic transmission, they take
precautions to ensure that statements (1) are based on their professional knowledge,
training, or experience in accord with appropriate psychological literature and
practice; (2) are otherwise consistent with this Ethics Code; and (3) do not
indicate that a professional relationship has been established with the
recipient. (See also Standard 2.04, Bases for Scientific and Professional
Judgments.)
Psychologists do not solicit testimonials
from current therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their
particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.
Psychologists do not engage, directly or
through agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of business from actual or
potential therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their
particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence. However, this
prohibition does not preclude (1) attempting to implement appropriate
collateral contacts for the purpose of benefiting an already engaged therapy
client/patient or (2) providing disaster or community outreach services.
Psychologists create, and to the extent the records
are under their control, maintain, disseminate, store, retain, and dispose of
records and data relating to their professional and scientific work in order to
(1) facilitate provision of services later by them or by other professionals,
(2) allow for replication of research design and analyses, (3) meet
institutional requirements, (4) ensure accuracy of billing and payments, and
(5) ensure compliance with law. (See also Standard 4.01, Maintaining
Confidentiality.)
(a) Psychologists maintain confidentiality
in creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and disposing of records under
their control, whether these are written, automated, or in any other medium.
(See also Standards 4.01, Maintaining Confidentiality, and 6.01, Documentation
of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records.)
(b) If confidential information concerning
recipients of psychological services is entered into databases or systems of
records available to persons whose access has not been consented to by the
recipient, psychologists use coding or other techniques to avoid the inclusion
of personal identifiers.
(c) Psychologists make plans in advance to
facilitate the appropriate transfer and to protect the confidentiality of
records and data in the event of psychologists’ withdrawal from positions or
practice. (See also Standards 3.12, Interruption of Psychological Services, and
10.09, Interruption of Therapy.)
Psychologists may not withhold records under
their control that are requested and needed for a client’s/patient’s emergency
treatment solely because payment has not been received.
(a) As early as is feasible in a
professional or scientific relationship, psychologists and recipients of
psychological services reach an agreement specifying compensation and billing
arrangements.
(b) Psychologists’ fee practices are
consistent with law.
(c) Psychologists do not misrepresent their
fees.
(d) If limitations to services can be
anticipated because of limitations in financing, this is discussed with the
recipient of services as early as is feasible. (See also Standards 10.09,
Interruption of Therapy, and 10.10, Terminating Therapy.)
(e) If the recipient of services does not
pay for services as agreed, and if psychologists intend to use collection
agencies or legal measures to collect the fees, psychologists first inform the
person that such measures will be taken and provide that person an opportunity
to make prompt payment. (See also Standards 4.05, Disclosures; 6.03,
Withholding Records for Nonpayment; and 10.01, Informed Consent to Therapy.)
Barter is the acceptance of goods, services,
or other nonmonetary remuneration from clients/patients in return for
psychological services. Psychologists may barter only if (1) it is not
clinically contraindicated, and (2) the resulting arrangement is not exploitative.
(See also Standards 3.05, Multiple Relationships, and 6.04, Fees and Financial
Arrangements.)
In their reports to
payors for services or sources of research funding, psychologists take
reasonable steps to ensure the accurate reporting of the nature of the service
provided or research conducted, the fees, charges, or payments, and where
applicable, the identity of the provider, the findings, and the diagnosis. (See
also Standards 4.01, Maintaining Confidentiality; 4.04, Minimizing Intrusions
on Privacy; and 4.05, Disclosures.)
When psychologists pay, receive payment
from, or divide fees with another professional, other than in an
employer-employee relationship, the payment to each is based on the services
provided (clinical, consultative, administrative, or other) and is not based on
the referral itself. (See also Standard 3.09, Cooperation With Other
Professionals.)
Psychologists responsible for education and
training programs take reasonable steps to ensure that the programs are designed
to provide the appropriate knowledge and proper experiences, and to meet the
requirements for licensure, certification, or other goals for which claims are
made by the program. (See also Standard 5.03, Descriptions of Workshops and
Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs.)
Psychologists responsible for education and
training programs take reasonable steps to ensure that there is a current and accurate
description of the program content (including participation in required course-
or program-related counseling, psychotherapy, experiential groups, consulting
projects, or community service), training goals and objectives, stipends and
benefits, and requirements that must be met for satisfactory completion of the
program. This information must be made readily available to all interested
parties.
(a) Psychologists take reasonable steps to
ensure that course syllabi are accurate regarding the subject matter to be
covered, bases for evaluating progress, and the nature of course experiences.
This standard does not preclude an instructor from modifying course content or
requirements when the instructor considers it pedagogically necessary or
desirable, so long as students are made aware of these modifications in a
manner that enables them to fulfill course requirements. (See also Standard
5.01, Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements.)
(b) When engaged in teaching or training,
psychologists present psychological information accurately. (See also Standard
2.03, Maintaining Competence.)
Psychologists do not require students or
supervisees to disclose personal information in course- or program-related
activities, either orally or in writing, regarding sexual history, history of
abuse and neglect, psychological treatment, and relationships with parents,
peers, and spouses or significant others except if (1) the program or training facility
has clearly identified this requirement in its admissions and program materials
or (2) the information is necessary to evaluate or obtain assistance for
students whose personal problems could reasonably be judged to be preventing
them from performing their training- or professionally related activities in a
competent manner or posing a threat to the students or others.
(a) When individual or group therapy is a
program or course requirement, psychologists responsible for that program allow
students in undergraduate and graduate programs the option of selecting such
therapy from practitioners unaffiliated with the program. (See also Standard
7.02, Descriptions of Education and Training Programs.)
(b) Faculty who are or are likely to be
responsible for evaluating students’ academic performance do not themselves
provide that therapy. (See also Standard 3.05, Multiple Relationships.)
(a) In academic and supervisory
relationships, psychologists establish a timely and specific process for
providing feedback to students and supervisees. Information regarding the
process is provided to the student at the beginning of supervision.
(b) Psychologists evaluate students and
supervisees on the basis of their actual performance on relevant and
established program requirements.
Psychologists do not engage in sexual
relationships with students or supervisees who are in their department, agency,
or training center or over whom psychologists have or are likely to have
evaluative authority. (See also Standard 3.05, Multiple Relationships.)
When institutional approval is required,
psychologists provide accurate information about their research proposals and
obtain approval prior to conducting the research. They conduct the research in
accordance with the approved research protocol.
(a) When obtaining informed consent as
required in Standard 3.10, Informed Consent, psychologists inform participants about
(1) the purpose of the research, expected duration, and procedures; (2) their
right to decline to participate and to withdraw from the research once
participation has begun; (3) the foreseeable consequences of declining or
withdrawing; (4) reasonably foreseeable factors that may be expected to
influence their willingness to participate such as potential risks, discomfort,
or adverse effects; (5) any prospective research benefits; (6) limits of
confidentiality; (7) incentives for participation; and (8) whom to contact for
questions about the research and research participants’ rights. They provide
opportunity for the prospective participants to ask questions and receive
answers. (See also Standards 8.03, Informed Consent for Recording Voices and
Images in Research; 8.05, Dispensing With Informed Consent for Research; and
8.07, Deception in Research.)
(b) Psychologists conducting intervention
research involving the use of experimental treatments clarify to participants
at the outset of the research (1) the experimental nature of the treatment; (2)
the services that will or will not be available to the control group(s) if
appropriate; (3) the means by which assignment to treatment and control groups
will be made; (4) available treatment alternatives if an individual does not
wish to participate in the research or wishes to withdraw once a study has
begun; and (5) compensation for or monetary costs of participating including,
if appropriate, whether reimbursement from the participant or a third-party
payor will be sought. (See also Standard 8.02a, Informed Consent to Research.)
Psychologists obtain informed consent from
research participants prior to recording their voices or images for data collection
unless (1) the research consists solely of naturalistic observations in public
places, and it is not anticipated that the recording will be used in a manner
that could cause personal identification or harm, or (2) the research design
includes deception, and consent for the use of the recording is obtained during
debriefing. (See also Standard 8.07, Deception in Research.)
(a) When psychologists conduct research with
clients/patients, students, or subordinates as participants, psychologists take
steps to protect the prospective participants from adverse consequences of
declining or withdrawing from participation.
(b) When research participation is a course
requirement or an opportunity for extra credit, the prospective participant is
given the choice of equitable alternative activities.
Psychologists may dispense with informed
consent only (1) where research would not reasonably be assumed to create
distress or harm and involves (a) the study of normal educational practices,
curricula, or classroom management methods conducted in educational settings;
(b) only anonymous questionnaires, naturalistic observations, or archival research
for which disclosure of responses would not place participants at risk of
criminal or civil liability or damage their financial standing, employability,
or reputation, and confidentiality is protected; or (c) the study of factors
related to job or organization effectiveness conducted in organizational
settings for which there is no risk to participants’ employability, and
confidentiality is protected or (2) where otherwise permitted by law or federal
or institutional regulations.
(a) Psychologists make reasonable efforts to
avoid offering excessive or inappropriate financial or other inducements for
research participation when such inducements are likely to coerce
participation.
(b) When offering professional services as
an inducement for research participation, psychologists clarify the nature of
the services, as well as the risks, obligations, and limitations. (See also
Standard 6.05, Barter With Clients/Patients.)
(a) Psychologists do not conduct a study
involving deception unless they have determined that the use of deceptive
techniques is justified by the study’s significant prospective scientific,
educational, or applied value and that effective nondeceptive alternative
procedures are not feasible.
(b) Psychologists do not deceive prospective
participants about research that is reasonably expected to cause physical pain
or severe emotional distress.
(c) Psychologists explain any deception that
is an integral feature of the design and conduct of an experiment to
participants as early as is feasible, preferably at the conclusion of their
participation, but no later than at the conclusion of the data collection, and
permit participants to withdraw their data. (See also Standard 8.08,
Debriefing.)
(a) Psychologists provide a prompt
opportunity for participants to obtain appropriate information about the
nature, results, and conclusions of the research, and they take reasonable
steps to correct any misconceptions that participants may have of which the
psychologists are aware.
(b) If scientific or humane values justify
delaying or withholding this information, psychologists take reasonable
measures to reduce the risk of harm.
(c) When psychologists become aware that
research procedures have harmed a participant, they take reasonable steps to
minimize the harm.
(a) Psychologists acquire, care for, use,
and dispose of animals in compliance with current federal, state, and local
laws and regulations, and with professional standards.
(b) Psychologists trained in research
methods and experienced in the care of laboratory animals supervise all
procedures involving animals and are responsible for ensuring appropriate
consideration of their comfort, health, and humane treatment.
(c) Psychologists ensure that all
individuals under their supervision who are using animals 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. (See also
Standard 2.05, Delegation of Work to Others.)
(d) Psychologists make reasonable efforts to
minimize the discomfort, infection, illness, and pain of animal subjects.
(e) Psychologists use a procedure subjecting
animals to pain, stress, or privation only when an alternative procedure is
unavailable and the goal is justified by its prospective scientific,
educational, or applied value.
(f) Psychologists perform surgical
procedures under appropriate anesthesia and follow techniques to avoid
infection and minimize pain during and after surgery.
(g) When it is appropriate that an animal’s
life be terminated, psychologists proceed rapidly, with an effort to minimize
pain and in accordance with accepted procedures.
(a) Psychologists do not fabricate data.
(See also Standard 5.01a, Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements.)
(b) If psychologists discover significant errors
in their published data, they take reasonable steps to correct such errors in a
correction, retraction, erratum, or other appropriate publication means.
Psychologists do not present portions of
another’s work or data as their own, even if the other work or data source is
cited occasionally.
(a) Psychologists take responsibility and
credit, including authorship credit, only for work they have actually performed
or to which they have substantially contributed. (See also Standard 8.12b,
Publication Credit.)
(b) Principal authorship and other
publication credits accurately reflect the relative scientific or professional
contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their relative status.
Mere possession of an institutional position, such as department chair, does
not justify authorship credit. Minor contributions to the research or to the
writing for publications are acknowledged appropriately, such as in footnotes
or in an introductory statement.
(c) Except under exceptional circumstances,
a student is listed as principal author on any multiple-authored article that
is substantially based on the student’s doctoral dissertation. Faculty advisors
discuss publication credit with students as early as feasible and throughout
the research and publication process as appropriate. (See also Standard 8.12b,
Publication Credit.)
Psychologists do not publish, as original
data, data that have been previously published. This does not preclude
republishing data when they are accompanied by proper acknowledgment.
(a) After research results are published,
psychologists do not withhold the data on which their conclusions are based
from other competent professionals who seek to verify the substantive claims
through reanalysis and who intend to use such data only for that purpose,
provided that the confidentiality of the participants can be protected and
unless legal rights concerning proprietary data preclude their release. This
does not preclude psychologists from requiring that such individuals or groups
be responsible for costs associated with the provision of such information.
(b) Psychologists who request data from
other psychologists to verify the substantive claims through reanalysis may use
shared data only for the declared purpose. Requesting psychologists obtain
prior written agreement for all other uses of the data.
Psychologists who review material submitted
for presentation, publication, grant, or research proposal review respect the
confidentiality of and the proprietary rights in such information of those who
submitted it.
(a) Psychologists base the opinions
contained in their recommendations, reports, and diagnostic or evaluative
statements, including forensic testimony, on information and techniques
sufficient to substantiate their findings. (See also Standard 2.04, Bases for
Scientific and Professional Judgments.)
(b) Except as noted in 9.01c, psychologists
provide opinions of the psychological characteristics of individuals only after
they have conducted an examination of the individuals adequate to support their
statements or conclusions. When, despite reasonable efforts, such an
examination is not practical, psychologists document the efforts they made and
the result of those efforts, clarify the probable impact of their limited
information on the reliability and validity of their opinions, and
appropriately limit the nature and extent of their conclusions or
recommendations. (See also Standards 2.01, Boundaries of Competence, and 9.06,
Interpreting Assessment Results.)
(c) When psychologists conduct a record
review or provide consultation or supervision and an individual examination is
not warranted or necessary for the opinion, psychologists explain this and the
sources of information on which they based their conclusions and
recommendations.
(a) Psychologists administer, adapt, score,
interpret, or use assessment techniques, interviews, tests, or instruments in a
manner and for purposes that are appropriate in light of the research on or evidence
of the usefulness and proper application of the techniques.
(b) Psychologists use assessment instruments
whose validity and reliability have been established for use with members of
the population tested. When such validity or reliability has not been
established, psychologists describe the strengths and limitations of test
results and interpretation.
(c) Psychologists use assessment methods
that are appropriate to an individual’s language preference and competence,
unless the use of an alternative language is relevant to the assessment issues.
(a) Psychologists obtain informed consent
for assessments, evaluations, or diagnostic services, as described in Standard
3.10, Informed Consent, except when (1) testing is mandated by law or
governmental regulations; (2) informed consent is implied because testing is
conducted as a routine educational, institutional, or organizational activity
(e.g., when participants voluntarily agree to assessment when applying for a job);
or (3) one purpose of the testing is to evaluate decisional capacity. Informed
consent includes an explanation of the nature and purpose of the assessment,
fees, involvement of third parties, and limits of confidentiality and
sufficient opportunity for the client/patient to ask questions and receive
answers.
(b) Psychologists inform persons with
questionable capacity to consent or for whom testing is mandated by law or
governmental regulations about the nature and purpose of the proposed
assessment services, using language that is reasonably understandable to the
person being assessed.
(c) Psychologists using the services of an
interpreter obtain informed consent from the client/patient to use that
interpreter, ensure that confidentiality of test results and test security are
maintained, and include in their recommendations, reports, and diagnostic or
evaluative statements, including forensic testimony, discussion of any
limitations on the data obtained. (See also Standards 2.05, Delegation of Work to
Others; 4.01, Maintaining Confidentiality; 9.01, Bases for Assessments; 9.06,
Interpreting Assessment Results; and 9.07, Assessment by Unqualified Persons.)
(a) The term test
data refers to raw and scaled scores, client/patient responses to test
questions or stimuli, and psychologists’ notes and recordings concerning
client/patient statements and behavior during an examination. Those portions of
test materials that include client/patient responses are included in the
definition of test data.
Pursuant to a client/patient release, psychologists provide test data to the
client/patient or other persons identified in the release. Psychologists may
refrain from releasing test data to protect a client/patient or others from
substantial harm or misuse or misrepresentation of the data or the test,
recognizing that in many instances release of confidential information under
these circumstances is regulated by law. (See also Standard 9.11, Maintaining
Test Security.)
(b) In the absence of a client/patient
release, psychologists provide test data only as required by law or court
order.
Psychologists who develop tests and other
assessment techniques use appropriate psychometric procedures and current
scientific or professional knowledge for test design, standardization,
validation, reduction or elimination of bias, and recommendations for use.
When interpreting assessment results,
including automated interpretations, psychologists take into account the
purpose of the assessment as well as the various test factors, test-taking
abilities, and other characteristics of the person being assessed, such as
situational, personal, linguistic, and cultural differences, that might affect
psychologists' judgments or reduce the accuracy of their interpretations. They
indicate any significant limitations of their interpretations. (See also
Standards 2.01b and c, Boundaries of Competence, and 3.01, Unfair
Discrimination.)
Psychologists do not promote the use of
psychological assessment techniques by unqualified persons, except when such
use is conducted for training purposes with appropriate supervision. (See also
Standard 2.05, Delegation of Work to Others.)
(a) Psychologists do not base their
assessment or intervention decisions or recommendations on data or test results
that are outdated for the current purpose.
(b) Psychologists do not base such decisions
or recommendations on tests and measures that are obsolete and not useful for
the current purpose.
(a) Psychologists who offer assessment or
scoring services to other professionals accurately describe the purpose, norms,
validity, reliability, and applications of the procedures and any special
qualifications applicable to their use.
(b) Psychologists select scoring and
interpretation services (including automated services) on the basis of evidence
of the validity of the program and procedures as well as on other appropriate
considerations. (See also Standard 2.01b and c, Boundaries of Competence.)
(c) Psychologists retain responsibility for
the appropriate application, interpretation, and use of assessment instruments,
whether they score and interpret such tests themselves or use automated or
other services.
Regardless of whether the scoring and
interpretation are done by psychologists, by employees or assistants, or by
automated or other outside services, psychologists take reasonable steps to
ensure that explanations of results are given to the individual or designated
representative unless the nature of the relationship precludes provision of an
explanation of results (such as in some organizational consulting,
preemployment or security screenings, and forensic evaluations), and this fact
has been clearly explained to the person being assessed in advance.
The term test
materials refers to manuals, instruments, protocols,
and test questions or stimuli and does not include test data as defined in
Standard 9.04, Release of Test Data. Psychologists make reasonable efforts to
maintain the integrity and security of test materials and other assessment
techniques consistent with law and contractual obligations, and in a manner
that permits adherence to this Ethics Code.
(a) When obtaining informed consent to
therapy as required in Standard 3.10, Informed Consent, psychologists inform
clients/patients as early as is feasible in the therapeutic relationship about
the nature and anticipated course of therapy, fees, involvement of third
parties, and limits of confidentiality and provide sufficient opportunity for
the client/patient to ask questions and receive answers. (See also Standards
4.02, Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality, and 6.04, Fees and Financial
Arrangements.)
(b) When obtaining informed consent for
treatment for which generally recognized techniques and procedures have not
been established, psychologists inform their clients/patients of the developing
nature of the treatment, the potential risks involved, alternative treatments
that may be available, and the voluntary nature of their participation. (See
also Standards 2.01e, Boundaries of Competence, and 3.10, Informed Consent.)
(c) When the therapist is a trainee and the
legal responsibility for the treatment provided resides with the supervisor,
the client/patient, as part of the informed consent procedure, is informed that
the therapist is in training and is being supervised and is given the name of
the supervisor.
(a) When psychologists agree to provide
services to several persons who have a relationship (such as spouses,
significant others, or parents and children), they take reasonable steps to
clarify at the outset (1) which of the individuals are clients/patients and (2)
the relationship the psychologist will have with each person. This
clarification includes the psychologist’s role and the probable uses of the
services provided or the information obtained. (See also Standard 4.02,
Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality.)
(b) If it becomes apparent that
psychologists may be called on to perform potentially conflicting roles (such
as family therapist and then witness for one party in divorce proceedings),
psychologists take reasonable steps to clarify and modify, or withdraw from,
roles appropriately. (See also Standard 3.05c, Multiple Relationships.)
When psychologists provide services to
several persons in a group setting, they describe at the outset the roles and
responsibilities of all parties and the limits of confidentiality.
In deciding whether to offer or provide
services to those already receiving mental health services elsewhere,
psychologists carefully consider the treatment issues and the potential
client’s/patient's welfare. Psychologists discuss these issues with the
client/patient or another legally authorized person on behalf of the
client/patient in order to minimize the risk of confusion and conflict, consult
with the other service providers when appropriate, and proceed with caution and
sensitivity to the therapeutic issues.
Psychologists do not engage in sexual
intimacies with current therapy clients/patients.
Psychologists do not engage in sexual
intimacies with individuals they know to be close relatives, guardians, or
significant others of current clients/patients. Psychologists do not terminate
therapy to circumvent this standard.
Psychologists do not accept as therapy
clients/patients persons with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies.
(a) Psychologists do not engage in sexual
intimacies with former clients/patients for at least two years after cessation
or termination of therapy.
(b) Psychologists do not engage in sexual
intimacies with former clients/patients even after a two-year interval except
in the most unusual circumstances. Psychologists who engage in such activity
after the two years following cessation or termination of therapy and of having
no sexual contact with the former client/patient bear 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, duration, and intensity of the therapy; (3) the
circumstances of termination; (4) the client’s/patient's personal history; (5)
the client’s/patient's current mental status; (6) the likelihood of adverse
impact on the client/patient; and (7) any statements or actions made by the
therapist during the course of therapy suggesting or inviting the possibility
of a posttermination sexual or romantic relationship with the client/patient.
(See also Standard 3.05, Multiple Relationships.)
When entering into employment or contractual
relationships, psychologists make reasonable efforts to provide for orderly and
appropriate resolution of responsibility for client/patient care in the event
that the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount
consideration given to the welfare of the client/patient. (See also Standard
3.12, Interruption of Psychological Services.)
(a) Psychologists terminate therapy when it
becomes reasonably clear that the client/patient no longer needs the service, is
not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service.
(b) Psychologists may terminate therapy when
threatened or otherwise endangered by the client/patient or another person with
whom the client/patient has a relationship.
(c) Except where precluded by the actions of
clients/patients or third-party payors, prior to termination psychologists
provide pretermination counseling and suggest alternative service providers as
appropriate.
History and Effective Date Footnote
This version of the APA Ethics Code was
adopted by the American Psychological Association's Council of Representatives
during its meeting,
The APA has previously published its Ethics
Code as follows:
American Psychological Association. (1953).
Ethical standards of psychologists.
American
Psychological Association. (1959). Ethical standards of psychologists. American
Psychologist, 14, 279-282.
American
Psychological Association. (1963). Ethical standards of psychologists. American
Psychologist, 18, 56-60.
American
Psychological Association. (1968). Ethical standards of psychologists. American
Psychologist, 23, 357-361.
American
Psychological Association. (1977, March). Ethical standards of psychologists.
APA Monitor, 22-23.
American Psychological Association. (1979).
Ethical standards of psychologists.
American
Psychological Association. (1981). Ethical principles of psychologists.
American Psychologist, 36, 633-638.
American
Psychological Association. (1990). Ethical principles of psychologists (Amended
June 2, 1989). American Psychologist, 45, 390-395.
American
Psychological Association. (1992). Ethical principles of psychologists and code
of conduct. American Psychologist, 47, 1597-1611.
Request
copies of the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
from the APA Order Department,
Ethics Code 2002.doc