CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PSYCHOMETRICIANS

Misuse of Psychology Professional’s Works

• Correcting or minimizing effects of misuse or misrepresentation.

Conflicts with Law or Regulations

• Resolve conflicts with Code of Ethics first; if not possible, adhere to law or regulations.

• Conflicts with Organizational Demands

• Make Code of Ethics known to organization; resolve conflicts while upholding Code.

Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations

• Address violations informally if sufficient; respect confidentiality rights.

• Reporting Ethical Violations

Report violations likely to cause substantial harm; exceptions for confidentiality and professional conduct reviews.

• Cooperating with Ethics Committee

• Cooperate with investigations and proceedings of psychological association.

• Improper Complaints

• Refrain from filing baseless complaints; provide factual evidence; avoid coercion.

• Unfair Discrimination

• Avoid discrimination against complainants and respondents; outcomes may lead to appropriate actions.

 Boundaries of Competence

1. Only licensed psychologists and psychometricians can practice legally according to Republic Act 10029 (Philippine Psychology Act of 2009).

2. Our practice is confined within the boundaries of our education, training, and professional experience.

3. Referrals are made when our competencies are insufficient, except in emergencies (Standard B).

4. When venturing into new areas beyond our expertise, we must seek relevant education or training.

5. If lacking competence in certain services, we may provide them with related experience and efforts to gain necessary skills.

6. In emerging areas lacking preparatory standards, we ensure competence and client safety.

7. Familiarity with judicial/administrative rules is required for forensic roles.

Providing Services in Emergencies

1. Services are provided in emergencies when necessary mental health services are unavailable.

2. Interventions are cautiously provided and discontinued after the emergency ends, ensuring access to competent services.

Maintaining Competence

1. Regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities are undertaken for relevance and applicability.

2. CPD points accumulation is required for professional license renewal under Republic Act 10912 (Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016).

 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments

1. Work is based on established scientific and professional knowledge.

Delegation of Work to Others

1. Delegated work avoids exploitation or loss of objectivity due to multiple relationships.

2. Responsibilities delegated are within the competence of individuals based on their education, training, or experience.

3. Clients are informed when tasks are delegated and have the option to discontinue or reschedule.

4. Persons delegated work are ensured competence.

Personal Problems and Conflicts

1. Work-related activities are refrained from if personal problems could affect competency.

2. Measures are taken, such as seeking professional consultation, when personal problems interfere with work duties.

3. Mental health professionals prioritize their own well-being to maintain competent service.

Unfair Discrimination

No discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, exceptionality, occupation, socioeconomic status, or any legally proscribed basis.

• Sexual Harassment

Prohibited as per the Philippine Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA No. 7877).

• Other Harassment

No harassment based on age, sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, exceptionality, language, occupation, or socioeconomic status

• Avoiding Harm

• Take reasonable steps to avoid harm to clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, organizational clients, and others, and minimize foreseeable harm.

• Multiple Relationships

• Avoid multiple relationships that could impair objectivity, competence, or effectiveness, or risk exploitation or harm.

• Resolve harmful multiple relationships in the best interests of affected parties and in compliance with the Code of Ethics.

Conflict of Interest

Refrain from professional roles where personal interests could impair objectivity or harm clients/patients or organizations.

• Third-Party Requests for Services

• Clarify nature of relationship, role expectations, confidentiality limits, and probable uses of services when providing services at the request of a third party.

• Exploitative Relationships

• Do not exploit individuals over whom there is authority, such as clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, and employees.

• Cooperation with Other Professionals

• Cooperate with other professionals when necessary and appropriate to serve clients/patients/students effectively.

• Informed Consent

• Obtain informed consent for research or services using understandable language, except when consent is mandated by law or regulation.

• Protect vulnerable individuals’ rights and welfare when obtaining consent.

• Inform individuals of the nature and limits of court-ordered or mandated services.

• Document consent and permissions appropriately.

Psychological Services Delivered To or Through Organizations

• Provide information about services beforehand, including objectives, intended recipients, relationship with individuals and organization, probable uses of services, information access, and confidentiality limits.

• Inform individuals if precluded by law or organizational rules from providing information.

• Interruption of Psychological Services

• Make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating services in the event of interruptions due to various factors.

A. Maintaining Confidentiality

• Safeguard client information across all mediums.

• Ensure information security, avoiding accessible areas or devices.

B. Limitations of Confidentiality

1. Discuss confidentiality limits with clients, considering laws, rules, or relationships.

2. Explain anticipated information uses before sessions.

3. Release information cautiously, especially in emergencies or court cases.

4. Inform clients of privacy risks in electronic transmission, ensuring adherence to security standards.

C. Recording

• Obtain consent before recording client voices or images.

• Explicitly explain anticipated uses of recordings.

D. Minimizing Invasions of Privacy

1. Share only relevant information with colleagues or in reports.

2. Disclose confidential info only for specific purposes, avoiding personal identifiers.

E. Disclosures

1. Ensure disclosed information respects human rights.

2. Disclose with client consent unless prohibited by law.

3. Disclose to referral sources with client's written permission.

4. Disclose without consent only when mandated or permitted by law, limiting extent to necessity.

5. Ensure qualified supervision for shared information with institutions.

6. Obtain approval for release of institution-held information.

F. Consultation

1. Avoid discussing identifiable client info without consent.

2. Limit disclosed info when seeking second opinions.

G. Use of Confidential Information for Other Purposes

• Don't share client info without consent or legal authorization unless adequately disguised.

Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements

• Ensure announcements are scientifically accurate, professionally presented, and devoid of sensationalism.

• Announcements encompass various media such as ads, endorsements, grant applications, etc.

• Information in advertisements for professional services should include relevant academic degrees, certifications, contact details, and services offered.

• Non-psychology degree holders must specify their academic background to prevent misrepresentation.

• Avoid false or deceptive statements regarding training, credentials, services, fees, etc., and promptly correct any misinterpretations.

• Claim degrees only from recognized or accredited institutions for psychological services.

Public Statements

• Communicate respectfully without making malicious remarks, especially on social media.

• Communicate facts, opinions, and theories clearly and correct any misinterpretations.

• Clarify representation when making public statements.

• Refrain from personal gain through commercial announcements or endorsements.

• Maintain professional responsibility when others create public statements about our practice.

• Do not provide compensation to media representatives for professional publicity.

• Clearly identify paid advertisements regarding psychological services.

• Avoid degrading comments or comparative denigration of other professionals.

• Do not claim certainty of cure or success in psychological services.

• Refrain from offering refunds to dissatisfied users.

Workshops, Seminars, and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs

Accurately describe program details and avoid misrepresentation.

 Media Presentations

• Provide advice based on professional knowledge and adhere to the Code of Ethics.

• Ensure statements do not imply a professional relationship.

Testimonials

Avoid soliciting testimonials from vulnerable individuals influenced by psychological services.

Documentation and Maintenance

• Create records for:

  • Facilitating service provision

  • Research replication and evaluation

  • Meeting institutional requirements

  • Billing accuracy

  • Compliance with laws

Responsible for record maintenance, dissemination, storage, retention, and disposal.

• B. Confidentiality

1. Maintain confidentiality in:

   • Creating

   • Storing

   • Accessing

   • Transferring

   • Disposing of records

2. Use codes, passwords, and techniques to prevent personal identifiers in shared databases.

Plan for record transfer and confidentiality protection upon retirement or resignation.

3. C. Withholding Client Records

Cannot withhold records needed for emergency treatment due to unpaid fees.

• D. Fees and Financial Arrangements

• Agree on compensation and billing early in the professional relationship.

• Do not misrepresent fees.

ETHICAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES IN SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

• Subscribe to ethical standards and procedures for:

  • Psychological assessment

  • Therapy

  • Education and training

  • Research

• Apply these standards to telepsychology, including services for clients abroad under the jurisdiction of our license.

A. Bases for Assessment

1. Expert opinions rely on substantial information and appropriate assessment techniques.

2. Expert opinions require adequate assessment procedures and examination.

3. Opinions without examination are discussed with limitations and basis.

4. Teleassessment results by qualified professionals adhere to assessment standards.

B. Informed Consent in Assessment

1. Informed consent is gathered unless mandated by law, implied, or for decisional capacity.

2. Clients are educated about services, financial arrangements, risks, and confidentiality limits.

3. Third-party interpreter usage ensures confidentiality, with limitations discussed.

4. Test takers are informed about internet connectivity implications during teleassessment.

C. Assessment Tools

1. Tests selected align with referral reasons and assessment purpose.

2. Data collection methods align with scientific and professional developments.

3. Tests used are standardized, valid, reliable, and normative for client population.

4. Tests match client language, competence, and relevant characteristics, using original copies.

D. Obsolete and Outdated Test Results

1. Interpretations avoid outdated test results.

2. Interpretations avoid obsolete tests.

E. Interpreting Assessment Results

1. Test results are reported considering validity, reliability, and appropriateness.

2. Results interpreted considering assessment purpose and client factors.

. Release of Test Data

1. Test results are only shared with agreed-upon referral sources.

2. Raw test data isn't released without court regulation.

Explaining Assessment Results

1. Test results released to referral sources with client's permission.

2. Results explained in non-technical language when communicated to others.

3. Findings explained to clients or representatives, except when precluded.

4. Supervised release of results to schools, social agencies, courts, or industry.

5. Online session recordings may be requested by clients.

Test Security

• Qualified/licensed personnel handle all test materials.

Assessment by Unqualified Persons

1. Assessment tools are not promoted for use by unqualified persons.

2. Records are secured from unqualified access.

3. Practice under RA10029 boundaries, with supervision when applicable.

Test Construction

Tests developed using current scientific findings, appropriate psychometric properties, validation, and standardization procedures.

A. Confidentiality

1. We uphold client confidentiality unless mandated by law.

2. Evaluation results are shared with colleagues as long as they respect privacy.

3. Information is disclosed only when necessary, considering client and community safety.

B. Informed Consent

1. Clients receive clear information about therapy, including risks, benefits, fees, and confidentiality.

2. Clients have the right to commit to, terminate, or withdraw from therapy.

3. Clients are informed about experimental treatments and alternatives.

4. Both therapist and client rights and responsibilities are discussed.

5. Trainee therapists inform clients and ensure supervision.

C. Client’s Well-being

1. Practice outcomes are monitored for client well-being.

2. Services are not provided if therapist is unfit.

3. Cultural considerations are integrated.

4. Harmful recommendations are avoided.

Relationships

1. Professional boundaries are maintained.

2. Multiple relationships are avoided except when beneficial.

3. Emotional involvement is minimized.

4. Personal biases should not affect therapy.

5. Sexual relationships with clients or their associates are prohibited.

6. A two-year period is observed after therapy ends.

 Record Keeping

• Records are kept confidential unless required by law.

Competent Practice

1. Continued professional development is pursued.

2. Therapist’s fitness for service is monitored.

3. Peer supervision is sought when needed.

Working with Vulnerable Populations

1. Dependence and capacity issues are assessed.

2. Considerations for young clients' autonomy are addressed.

Referrals

1. Referrals are discussed with clients, ensuring consent.

2. Recipients of referrals are vetted for competence.

Interruption

1. Responsibility for client care during interruptions is managed.

2. Protocols are in place for session disruptions.

Termination

1. Therapy ends when it is no longer beneficial or may cause harm.

2. Pretermination counseling and referrals are provided.

3. Therapy may be terminated for noncompliance or client risk.

 Design of Programs

• Ensure programs provide necessary knowledge and experiences for licensure or certification.

 Program Descriptions

• Ensure accurate and current program descriptions including content, goals, benefits, and completion requirements are readily available to interested parties.

 Accuracy in Teaching

1. Ensure course syllabi accurately reflect content, evaluation criteria, and course experiences. Instructors may modify content with student awareness.

2. Present psychological information accurately in teaching/training contexts.

Student Disclosure

Avoid requiring personal disclosures unless clearly stated in admissions or program materials or essential for assisting students facing competence-related challenges.

Mandatory Therapy

1. Allow students therapy options from non-program affiliated practitioners when required. Faculty responsible for evaluation should not provide therapy.

2. Ensure faculty assessing academic performance do not provide therapy.

Assessing Performance

1. Establish timely feedback processes for students and supervisees.

2. Evaluate based on actual performance on established program requirements.

Sexual Relationships

Prohibit engaging in sexual relationships with students or supervisees under evaluative authority.

Rights and Dignity of Participants

1. Respect rights, safeguard dignity, and promote welfare of participants.

2. Obtain essential cultural information before research in unfamiliar communities.

3. Respect cultural expectations, while upholding ethical principles.

4. Respect participants' right to withdraw at any time, especially if non-verbal cues indicate discomfort.

5. Avoid research violating international humanitarian law.

6. Identify and address potential harm to participants, including pre-existing conditions.

7. Seek independent ethical review to protect participants' rights.

 Informed Consent to Research

1. Obtain informed consent collaboratively, ensuring understanding.

2. Translate consent forms and ensure comprehension.

3. Obtain assent from minors and consent from parents/guardians.

4. Obtain consent from family members and approval from advisors for participants with comprehension difficulties.

5. Consider special circumstances for detained persons.

6. Inform participants comprehensively about research details.

7. Clarify aspects of intervention research at the outset.

8. Obtain consent multiple times for longitudinal research.

9. Ensure informed consent in online data gathering.

 Informed Consent for Recording Voices and Images

1. Obtain consent before recording, except in specific circumstances.

Research Participation of Clients, Students, and Subordinates

1. Inform about the right not to participate without penalty.

2. Offer equitable alternatives for course requirements.

Dispensing with Informed Consent

Dispense consent only when not distressing and legal/institutional regulations permit.

Offering Inducements for Research Participation

1. Fairly compensate participants.

2. Avoid undue inducements.

3. Clarify nature of services for psychological/professional incentives.

Deception in Research

1. Minimize deception, justifying its use for significant scientific value.

2. Disclose study details to avoid withholding critical information.

3. Explain deception at the earliest opportunity.

Debriefing

1. Inform participants of their contribution and ensure learning.

2. Clarify research nature, results, and correct misconceptions.

3. Re-establish trust if necessary.

4. Minimize harm from incomplete disclosure.

5. Correct errors promptly.

6. Respect participants' request to withdraw data.

Observational Research

1. Respect privacy and well-being of observed individuals.

Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research

1. Use animals only when necessary for scientific or humane purposes.

2. Comply with laws and ensure humane treatment.

3. Minimize discomfort and pain for animal subjects.

Care for the Environment

1. Avoid procedures harming the environment.

 Reporting Research Results

1. Use appropriate language for the target audience.

2. Consult with studied groups for accuracy.

3. Avoid misinterpretation of results, especially regarding vulnerable groups.

4. Ensure clarity when discussing results involving children.

5. Avoid data fabrication.

6. Correct errors in published data promptly.

Plagiarism

1. Do not present others' work as own.

Publication Credit

1. Credit work accurately, acknowledging contributions.

2. Ensure authorship reflects contributions.

3. Discuss publication credit with students.

Duplicate Publication of Data

1. Do not claim previously published data as original.

2. Properly acknowledge reused data.

Sharing Research Data for Verification

1. Share data with competent professionals upon agreement.

2. Ensure intended use aligns with agreement.

3. Protect confidentiality of participants.

Limitations of the Study

1. Acknowledge limitations of knowledge, methods, and findings.

2. Discuss limitations concerning social policies of unfamiliar communities.

3. Acknowledge alternative hypotheses and disconfirming evidence.