Ethics Midterm

High Contact and participation

Refers to identification with the adopted culture: “Is it considered to be of value to maintain relationships with dominant society?”

What areas do ethical Standards Address R, C, H, P&C, A&P, Rk&F, E, R&P, A, T

Resolving Ethical Issues

Competence

Human Relations

Privacy and Confidentiality

Advertising and other public statements

Record Keeping and fees

education and training

Research and publications

Assessment

Therapy

5 APA Ethical principles

• Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

• Fidelity and Responsibility

• Integrity

• Justice

• Respect for People's Rights and Dignity

high maintenance

Refers to identification with the culture of origin: “Is it considered to be of value to maintain cultural identity and characteristics?”

why is record keeping necessary in psychology

• Ensures the integrity and reliability of psychological research.

• It allows for replication and verification of findings.

• Help psychologists track and monitor progress in therapy or treatment.

• Provide a legal and ethical documentation of client/patient interactions.

• Aids in the assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders.

• Facilitates effective communication and collaboration among professionals.

• Serve as a reference for future decision-making and planning.

• Contribute to the overall quality and accountability of psychological practice.

handling test material and release psychologists: SWDC

• Store test materials securely to prevent unauthorized access.

• Obtain written consent before releasing test results to third parties.

• Follow ethical guidelines and legal requirements for test result disclosure.

• Maintain confidentiality and privacy when handling and releasing test material.

What is professional acculturation in psychology

Refers to the process of acquiring the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to function effectively within the field of psychology.

• Importance: It helps psychologists adapt to the professional culture, ethical standards, and practices of the psychology profession.

• Components: Professional acculturation involves learning about professional ethics, legal regulations, evidence-based practices, and cultural competence.

• Training: Graduate programs, supervised clinical experiences, and continuing education play a crucial role in facilitating professional acculturation.

• Benefits: Professional acculturation enhances the quality of psychological services, promotes ethical conduct, and fosters professional identity development.

difference between heuristics and biases

• Heuristics: Mental shortcuts used to make quick decisions and solve problems efficiently.

  • help simplify complex information

  • Common heuristics include availability, representativeness, and anchoring.

• Biases: Systematic errors in thinking that can lead to inaccurate judgments and decision-making.

  • lead to errors and distortions

  • Common biases include confirmation bias, hindsight bias, and overconfidence bias.

• Understanding heuristics and biases is important for critical thinking and decision-making.

APA professional relationship boundaries ethical guidelines 9 parts: DCICPSFBS

• Dual relationships: Avoid engaging in multiple roles with clients that could impair objectivity or exploit the therapeutic relationship.

• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of client information, unless there is a legal or ethical obligation to disclose.

• Informed consent: Obtain informed consent from clients before initiating any professional relationship or intervention.

• Competence: Provide services within the boundaries of one's professional competence and seek consultation or referral when necessary.

• Personal values: Avoid imposing personal values on clients and respect their autonomy and diversity.

• Sexual relationships: Do not engage in sexual relationships with current or former clients due to the potential for harm and exploitation.

• Financial arrangements: Establish clear and appropriate financial arrangements with clients, ensuring transparency and avoiding conflicts of interest.

• Boundaries with colleagues: Maintain professional boundaries with colleagues, avoiding conflicts of interest and respecting their professional autonomy.

• Self-care: Engage in self-care practices to ensure personal well-being and prevent impairment in professional functioning.

APA record storing and disposal ethical guidelines 8: RCDIERTD

• Retention Period: 7 years after the last date of service.

• Confidentiality: Ensure client confidentiality by storing records securely and obtaining written consent before disclosing any information.

• Disposal Method: Dispose of records in a manner that protects client confidentiality, such as shredding or secure electronic deletion.

• Informed Consent: Obtain informed consent from clients regarding the storage and disposal of their records.

• Exceptions: Some jurisdictions may have specific legal requirements for record retention and disposal that override APA guidelines.

• Record Access: Establish policies for client access to their records and provide them with copies upon request.

• Training: Ensure that staff members are trained on the ethical guidelines for record storing and disposal.

• Documentation: Maintain documentation of record storage and disposal procedures to demonstrate compliance with ethical guidelines.

Social Competence includes: 10 things- AECCECRSFP

• Active listening

• Empathy

• Communication skills

• Conflict resolution

• Emotional intelligence

• Cooperation.

• Respect

• Self-awareness

• Flexibility

• Problem-solving

Emotional Competence SA, SR, E, SS, EI, ER, ES, EA, EE

• Self-awareness

• Self-regulation

• Empathy

• Social skills

• Emotional intelligence

• Emotional resilience:

• Emotional self-control

• Emotional awareness

• Emotional expression

Privacy

The right to keep personal information confidential.

Privilege

Legal protection of certain communications between individuals and professionals.

Informed consent

The process of obtaining permission from a patient after disclosing relevant information about their treatment.

APA Ethical Principle E - Autonomy

The principle that allows patients to make informed decisions about their treatment and care.

Reporting ethical violations

The act of reporting situations where there is a risk of harm to the patient or others, violation of the law or ethical standards, or breach of confidentiality.

Competence

The ability of a psychologist to provide effective and ethical treatment to their patients.

Exceptions to confidentiality in therapy

risk of harm

legal requirement

patient consent.

Acculturation

The process of adapting to a new culture or environment.

APA ethical principles related to diversity

Principle A: Ongoing education and training on diversity and multicultural issues, Acknowledgment of the impact of power and privilege on diversity issues

Principle E: Respect for the dignity and worth of all people

Principle D: Fairness and justice in the treatment of all individuals, Commitment to promoting social justice and reducing disparities

Conflicts of moral principles (Ethical Dilemmas)

Situations where psychologists must consider the ethical implications of their actions and seek guidance when necessary.

Changes in practice when a psychologist relocates

Changes in:

• legal and regulatory environment ( may be additional requirements for licensure)

• patient population

• availability of resources and support.

HIPAA requirements

Privacy and security of protected health information.

Documentation

The act of recording information for legal and ethical reasons, continuity of care, and record-keeping.

Components of documentation in a patient record

Patient information

treatment plan

progress notes

other relevant information.

Release of information to patients

Patients have the right to access their own medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Test data vs materials

Test data refers to the results of psychological tests, while test materials refer to the actual tests themselves.

Professional competence

The knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a job or task at a high level of proficiency. Consists of : emotional, social, ethical, diversity, knowledge

Ethical competence

The ability to make ethical decisions and act in accordance with ethical principles and standards.

Functions of APA, TSBEP, TBHEC, ASPPB, and TPA

APA :sets ethical standards across the US

TSBEP: regulates psychology in Texas

TBHEC: oversees licensing of mental health professionals in Texas

ASPPB:supports state and provincial psychology boards

TPA: a professional organization for psychologists in Texas.

Why is confidentiality a primary obligation

Essential for establishing trust and protecting the patient's privacy.

Distinction between informed consent as required by APA Standards vs TSBEP Regulations

TSEBP Standards require written consent, while APA regulations allow for oral consent in certain circumstances.

Components of informed consent by APA therapy N,L,B/R,S,F,C,C,A

• Nature of therapy services provided

• License status of treating provider

• Benefits and risks

• Scheduling of sessions

• Fees, third-party reimbursement insurance

• Cancelation policies, fees

• Confidentiality

  • –  Information third-party payors receive

  • –  Limits of confidentiality regarding danger to self or others,

  • –  Legal requests for records

• Access to records