PAP Code of Ethics Overview 2022

What does the preamble of the PAP Code of Ethics emphasize?

The importance of ethics in psychology and psychometrics, guiding practitioners towards the highest ethical ideals.

What does the Universal Declaration in the PAP Code of Ethics aim to provide?

A moral framework and generic ethical principles for psychology organizations globally.

What are some key values promoted by the Universal Declaration?

Peace, freedom, responsibility, justice, humanity, and morality.

How does the Universal Declaration address cultural differences?

It recognizes that the principles are general and aspirational, requiring adaptation to local customs, beliefs, and laws.

What is the significance of the Universal Declaration for psychology organizations?

It encourages the promotion and observance of its principles and values in members' activities through education and other means.

What is the first principle of the PAP Code of Ethics?

Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Peoples.

What does the principle of Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Peoples recognize?

The inherent worth of all human beings, regardless of differences in social status, ethnicity, or gender.

What related values are included in the principle of Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Peoples?

Respect for individual worth, diversity, customs, beliefs, informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, fairness, justice, and the environment.

What is the focus of the second principle, Competent Caring for the Well-Being of Persons and Peoples?

Working for the benefit of individuals and communities while ensuring no harm is done.

What does competent caring require according to the PAP Code of Ethics?

Maximizing benefits, minimizing harm, and correcting any harm that may occur.

How does the principle of Competent Caring extend to virtual services?

All ethical principles applicable to face-to-face services are also relevant to online platforms.

What values are associated with the principle of Competent Caring?

Concern for well-being, doing no harm, maximizing benefits, correcting harm, competence, self-knowledge, and respect for individuals' decision-making abilities.

What is the third principle outlined in the PAP Code of Ethics?

Integrity.

Why is integrity important in psychology according to the PAP Code of Ethics?

It is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and maintaining public confidence in psychology.

What does the principle of Integrity entail?

Honesty, truthful communication, openness, and managing potential biases and conflicts of interest.

What related values are associated with the principle of Integrity?

Honest communication, avoiding incomplete disclosure, impartiality, avoiding exploitation, and declaring conflicts of interest.

What is the fourth principle of the PAP Code of Ethics?

Professional and Scientific Responsibilities to Society.

What responsibilities does psychology have to society according to the PAP Code of Ethics?

Contributing to knowledge about human behavior, using knowledge to improve conditions, and adhering to ethical standards.

What should the discipline of psychology encourage according to the fourth principle?

The development of social structures and policies that benefit all individuals and communities.

What should cultural interpretations of responsibilities align with in psychology?

They should align with the ethical principles and related values of the code of ethics.

What are some related values in the code of ethics for psychology practitioners?

Advancing scientific and professional knowledge, using knowledge responsibly, conducting affairs ethically, promoting ethical ideals, providing proper training, and maintaining ethical awareness and self-correction.

What is the focus of the 'Resolving Ethical Issues' section in the code of ethics?

It focuses on the ethical standards and procedures psychology practitioners should follow when faced with ethical dilemmas or conflicts.

What should psychology practitioners do if their work is misused or misrepresented?

They should take corrective measures to address the misuse or misrepresentation.

How should practitioners handle conflicts between ethics and legal regulations?

They strive to resolve conflicts while remaining committed to ethical principles, but if resolution is not possible, they adhere to the law while maintaining ethical values.

What actions should practitioners take when organizational demands conflict with the Code of Ethics?

They should make their ethical standards known to the organization and declare their commitment to ethical principles while working to resolve the conflicts.

What is the informal resolution process for ethical violations?

Practitioners may attempt to informally resolve issues by addressing them with the concerned professional, provided confidentiality rights are not violated.

When should psychology practitioners report ethical violations?

They should report violations likely to cause substantial harm to a person or organization, with exceptions for confidentiality rights.

What is expected of psychology practitioners when cooperating with ethics investigations?

They must cooperate with ethics investigations, proceedings, and requirements of any psychological association they belong to.

What should practitioners avoid when filing ethical complaints?

They should refrain from filing complaints without factual evidence and avoid coercing others to file complaints without proper justification.

How should practitioners treat complainants and respondents of ethical complaints?

They should not discriminate against them in terms of employment, advancement, academic admissions, tenure, or promotion.

What is the purpose of the 'Competencies' section in the code of ethics?

It outlines the ethical standards and procedures related to the competence of psychology practitioners.

Who is legally allowed to practice psychology according to the Philippine Psychology Act of 2009?

Only licensed and registered psychologists and psychometricians.

What should psychology practitioners ensure regarding their services and research?

They should provide services, teach, and conduct research only within the boundaries of their competence based on education, training, and professional experience.

What must practitioners do when they encounter areas beyond their competence?

They must make appropriate referrals unless providing services in emergency situations.

What is required for practitioners to work in new or unfamiliar areas?

They must acquire relevant education, training, supervised experience, consultation, or study.

Under what condition can practitioners provide services in areas where they lack specific competence?

They may provide services if they have related training or experience and make a reasonable effort to gain necessary competence.

What should psychology practitioners do in emergency situations?

They should offer their services when necessary mental health services are not available elsewhere.

What precautions must practitioners take when providing interventions in emergencies?

They must be cautious and discontinue services when the emergency has ended, ensuring competent services are available.

What is the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for practitioners?

Practitioners must regularly engage in CPD activities to keep their services relevant and applicable.

What is mandated by the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016?

Accumulation of a prescribed number of CPD points is necessary for the renewal of one's professional license.

On what basis should practitioners make scientific and professional judgments?

Practitioners should base their work on established scientific and professional knowledge in the field.

What must practitioners ensure when delegating work to others?

They must ensure that those individuals have the necessary competence for the delegated tasks.

What should practitioners avoid when delegating work?

Delegation should not involve persons with multiple relationships that could lead to exploitation or loss of objectivity.

What must clients be informed about regarding delegated tasks?

Clients must be informed when tasks are delegated and have the choice to discontinue or reschedule.

What should practitioners do if personal problems affect their work?

They should take appropriate measures such as seeking professional consultation and may need to limit, suspend, or terminate their work-related duties.

Why is ensuring personal health important for mental health professionals?

It is essential for them to continue providing competent services to others.

What does the section on 'Human Relations' focus on?

It focuses on ethical standards and procedures related to interactions with individuals and groups.

What must practitioners avoid regarding unfair discrimination?

They must not discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or any basis proscribed by law.

What does the Philippine Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA No. 7877) prohibit?

It prohibits practitioners from engaging in sexual harassment.

What types of harassment must psychology practitioners avoid?

They must not harass or demean individuals based on age, sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, or other characteristics.

What steps should practitioners take to avoid harm?

They should take reasonable steps to avoid harming clients, students, supervisees, and others, and minimize harm where foreseeable but unavoidable.

What should practitioners avoid when entering into multiple relationships?

Practitioners should refrain from entering into multiple relationships that could impair their objectivity, competence, or effectiveness, or lead to exploitation or harm.

What steps should practitioners take if a harmful multiple relationship arises?

Practitioners should take reasonable steps to resolve it in the best interests of the affected person while complying with the Code of Ethics.

What should psychology practitioners avoid regarding conflicts of interest?

They should avoid taking on a professional role when personal, scientific, professional, legal, financial, or other interests could impair their objectivity or expose others to harm.

What must practitioners clarify when providing services at the request of a third party?

They should clarify the nature of the relationship with all individuals or organizations involved, including roles, clients, uses of services, and limits to confidentiality.

What is prohibited regarding exploitative relationships?

Practitioners should not exploit individuals over whom they have supervisory, evaluative, or other authority.

What should practitioners do when cooperating with other professionals?

They should cooperate when necessary and appropriate to effectively serve their clients, patients, or students.

What must practitioners obtain before conducting research or providing services?

Practitioners must obtain informed consent from individuals.

What should practitioners inform clients about when providing services through organizations?

They must inform clients about the nature of the services, intended recipients, relationships, probable uses, and limits of confidentiality.

What should practitioners plan for regarding interruptions of psychological services?

They should make reasonable efforts to facilitate services in the event of interruptions caused by illness, unavailability, relocation, retirement, or financial limitations.

What is the primary focus of the section on maintaining confidentiality?

The importance of safeguarding client information and respecting their privacy.

What is the duty of psychology practitioners regarding client information?

They have a duty to protect any information shared by clients and ensure it is secured from unqualified individuals.

What must practitioners discuss with clients regarding confidentiality?

They must discuss the limitations of confidentiality, including legal regulations and how disclosed information will be used.

When can information be released to authorities?

Information may be released when there is imminent danger to the individual or community, or when required by court orders.

What must practitioners do before recording clients' voices or images?

They must obtain consent from clients or their legal representatives and explain the anticipated uses of the recorded material.

What should practitioners minimize when consulting with colleagues?

They should minimize invasions of privacy by only revealing relevant information for the purpose of communication.

What should confidential information obtained during work be discussed for?

Only for scientific, medical, or professional purposes without disclosing personal identifiers.

Under what conditions can confidential information be disclosed?

With the client's or legal representative's consent, except when prohibited by law.

What steps should practitioners take to ensure disclosed information is not misused?

They should take reasonable steps to prevent misuse, misunderstanding, or misinterpretation that could infringe on human rights.

When can information be disclosed without client consent?

For valid purposes such as providing professional services, obtaining consultations, protecting clients or practitioners from harm, or collecting payment for services.

What should practitioners avoid when discussing confidential information with colleagues?

Discussing information that could identify the client unless the client consents or disclosure is unavoidable.

What is required when seeking second opinions regarding a client?

Limit the disclosure of information to what is necessary for the purpose.

How should confidential client information be handled in writings or public statements?

It must not be revealed without consent or legal authorization, and if necessary, should be adequately disguised.

What is emphasized in the section on confidentiality in psychological practice?

The importance of confidentiality, informed consent, and ethical use of client information to maintain trust and privacy.

What is the focus of the 'Advertisements and Public Statements' section of the code of ethics?

Maintaining honesty, professionalism, and respect in all forms of communication and public representation.

What should psychology practitioners avoid in their advertisements?

False, deceptive, or fraudulent statements about themselves or colleagues.

What information can be included in advertisements for professional services?

Relevant academic degrees, certification status, contact information, and services offered.

What is required of non-psychology degree holders in their advertisements?

They must clarify their academic background.

What type of language should practitioners use in public statements?

Language that shows respect for the dignity of others and avoids malicious or demeaning remarks.

What should practitioners clarify when making public statements?

Whether they represent themselves, specific organizations, or the discipline of psychology.

What is prohibited regarding personal gain in public statements?

Seeking personal gain by recommending products or services to the general public.

What is not allowed regarding compensation for media representatives?

Offering compensation for professional publicity in news items.

How should paid advertisements related to psychological services be identified?

They should be clearly identified as advertisements.

What type of comments should practitioners avoid making about individuals or groups?

Degrading comments or demeaning jokes.

What is not allowed in terms of comparative denigration?

Comparative denigration of other psychologists, psychometricians, or practitioners from different professions.

What should practitioners not claim regarding their psychological services?

Certainty of cure for any conditions or guarantee of success.

What should not be advertised or offered regarding refunds?

Refunds for dissatisfied users of psychological services.

What should announcements for workshops, seminars, or educational programs include?

Intended audience, objectives, presenters, CPD points, and fees, without misrepresentation.

What is the ethical guideline regarding public advice or comments in media?

They should be based on professional knowledge and consistent with the Code of Ethics, without implying a professional relationship.

What is the stance on requesting testimonials from clients by psychology practitioners?

Practitioners should not request testimonials from current or past clients or vulnerable individuals who might be influenced by psychological services.

What is emphasized regarding advertisements and public statements in psychological practice?

Transparency, accuracy, and professionalism are crucial.

What does the section on 'Documentation and Maintenance of Records' focus on?

Proper handling, storage, and confidentiality of records related to professional and scientific work.

Why do psychology practitioners create records and data?

To facilitate service provision, research replication and evaluation, meet institutional requirements, ensure accurate billing and payments, and comply with relevant laws.

What responsibility do practitioners have regarding records and data?

They are responsible for maintaining, disseminating, storing, retaining, and disposing of records and data whenever possible.

What is crucial for maintaining confidentiality of records?

It is essential in creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and disposing of records in any form or media.

What should be avoided when entering confidential information into databases?

Personal identifiers should be avoided.

What advanced plans should practitioners make regarding confidentiality?

Plans should be made to protect confidentiality in the event of retirement, transfer, resignation, or withdrawal from a position or practice.

What should practitioners do if a client requests records needed for emergency treatment?

They should not withhold records solely because payment has not been received.

When should practitioners reach an agreement on fees and financial arrangements?

As early as possible in the professional relationship.

What should practitioners ensure regarding fees?

Fees should not be misrepresented.