AASP Ethics

AASP Ethics Code Layout

Introduction

Preamble

General Principles (unforceable)

Ethical Standards (forceable)

General Principles

Competence

Integrity

Professional and Scientific Responsibility

Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

Concern for Others’ Welfare

Social Responsibility

Competence

CMPCs recognize the boundaries of their professional competencies and the limitations of their expertise.

I.e. no coaching sport skills or diagnosing injuries

Integrity

When describing or reporting their qualifications, services, products, fees, research, or teaching, CMPCs do not make statements that are false, misleading, or deceptive

Professional and Scientific Responsibility

CMPCs are responsible for safeguarding the public and AASP from members who are deficient in ethical conduct.

Consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interest of the recipients of their services

Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

CMPCs respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, self-determination, and autonomy, mindful that legal and other obligations may lead to inconsistency and conflict with the exercise of these rights.

AASP members are aware of cultural, individual, and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status.

Concern for Others’ Welfare

When conflicts occur among AASP members’ obligations or concerns, they attempt to resolve those conflicts and to perform those roles in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm.

AASP members are sensitive to real and ascribed differences in power between themselves and others.

Social Responsibility

AASP members are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to the community and the society in which they work and live.

They apply and make public their knowledge in order to contribute to human welfare. When undertaking research, AASP members strive to advance human welfare and their profession while always protecting the rights of the participants

How many ethical standards (forceable) are there?

25

Professional and Scientific Relationship

Provide services only within the context of your role

Respect the dignity and promote the welfare of your clients first while aspiring to do what is best for the larger group as well

Boundaries of Competence

Only deliver services and make claims within your competence

i.e. certifications

Use of Titles, Description of Services, and Business Names

Advertise yourself within your competency (CMPC v PsyD)

CMPC is a certification not a license

Human Differences

Recognize differences between you and your clients + develop the skills needed to work with clients of different backgrounds

No unfair discrimination

Exploitation, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Misuse of Influence

Don’t exploit anyone (supervisors, supervisees, students, employees, research participants, clients, etc.)

Don’t harass or demean anyone you work with

Don’t solicit testimonials from clients because of their particular circumstance (i.e. vulnerable population)

Personal Problems and Conflicts

Recognize that personal problems can interfere with your effectiveness

Be aware that visibility of some clients may compromise professional objectivity and competence

Do not use client information for personal gain

Avoiding Harm

Avoid harming your clients, research participants, students, etc.

Misuse of AASP Members’ Work

Don’t use or share information that is misleading

Don’t advertise another’s work as your own

If you learn that an AASP member is doing either of these, take steps to correct it yourself or report it

Multiple Relationships

Don’t take jobs when preexisting relationships would create risk of harm

Don’t engage in sexual relationships

Avoid personal, scientific, professional, financial, or other relationships with family members of minor clients

If you find that a potentially harmful multiple relationship has come up, try to resolve it with the best interest of the affected person and in compliance with the AASP Ethics Code

Barter (with Patients or Clients)

Don’t accept goods, services, or other non monetary pay from clients in return for services

You can receive tokens of appreciation though

Consultations and Referrals

When consulting with other AASP members about a client, maintain client confidentiality

Consider and arrange referrals if in the best interest of your client:

• If requested by client

• With documented consent

• Other relevant considerations

Third-Party Requests for Services

When you agree to provide services to someone at the request of a 3rd party, clarify the relationship between all parties at the beginning of your first session

If there is any potential risk of the CMPC being called upon to perform conflicting roles because of involvement of a 3rd party: inform client as matters develop and try to resolve the issue

Consultation, Mentorship, and Supervision

Clarify roles and responsibilities

Delegate responsibilities appropriately

Ensure mentees represent themselves accurately, practice within their competence, and respect client confidentiality at all times

Don’t have sex with mentees, supervisees, or anyone…

Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work

Appropriately document all work in order to facilitate provision of services later for yourself or other professionals

Fees and Financial Arrangement

Discuss pay as early as possible

Don’t exploit clients with respect to pay

If you can anticipate limitations to services due to pay, discuss as early as possible

Don’t deliver services for future compensation based on potential future achievement or testimonials

Definition of Public Statements

Don’t make incorrect statements about your work to students, clients, colleagues, or the public

Informed Consent to Practice

Obtain informed consent or assent from all clients to ensure:

1. client has capacity to consent

2. client has been informed of significant information regarding procedures

3. client has freely expressed consent

4. consent has been documented

Termination of Services

You can terminate services with a client or organization when:

1. there is a conflict of interest

2. you feel threatened by clients, organizations, or related persons which could cause harm or jeopardize confidentiality

3. clients don’t comply with terms of service delivery

4. there is a lack of direct contact and communication with clients or organizations

5. clients or organizations are not paying agreed fees

6. the client no longer needs the service

7. you can’t continue providing effective service

No matter what, make sure you explain why you are terminating the service. Facilitate transfer of service if possible

Maintaining Confidentiality

Can only give up confidentiality if the client said it’s ok or there is a legal authorization to do so

Conduct of Research

Obtain IRB approval

Consent/assent should use language the person reading can understand (ex: language or cognitive stage)

Protect participants from consequences of declining or withdrawing from participation by providing an alternative

Don’t use deception unless justified

Minimize invasiveness and keep paticipant data protected

Maintain integrity and honesty

Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands

clarify conflicts of interest when there is a discrepancy in demands and make efforts to resolve them in accordance with the ethics code

Resolution of Ethical Conflicts

1. Try to clarify/resolve problems yourself and with the clients first

2. If can’t, then discuss ethical problems with supervisor or mentor

3. If not resolved then, seek support from AASP Ethics Committee

The Integration of Technology in Professional and Scientific Work

only incorporate tech that you’re competent with

make sure client is aware of why tech is being used

inform client of privacy risks early

take reasonable action to ensure privacy and confidentiality of electronic communications by using secure communication tech when possible

Teaching and Mentorship

a. Competence for both roles

b. Multicultural/Diversity Training and Awareness for both roles

c. Responsibilities for both roles

Use of Assessments

use valid and reliable assessments

tell the client why you’re using the test and share results with them (when possible)

keep results and data confidential