APA Ethics Guidelines
The APA is standard for guidelines and code of conduct for psychological professionals to prevent abuses and damages, and to ensure a level of protection for those receiving care/being studied. The code was first published in 1953, and is amended constantly.
Aspirational principles are the ideal and to be strived for, but too subjective to enforce.
Enforceable standards are explicit rules and guidelines of conduct.
Standards
Resolving Ethical Issues- Advice for handling misrepresented data and ethical concerns.
Competence- Clients are entitled to care from a competent practitioner.
Human Relations- Handles how psychologists should work with each other.
Privacy and Confidentiality- Reasonable precautions to maintain client anonymity.
Advertising and Public Statements- Advertisements must accurately represent the service provided.
Record Keeping and Fees- Practitioners must maintain case notes and keep track of diagnostics
Education and Training- Evidence-based research must be used to train new psychiatrists
Research and Publication- Subjects must be aware of risks and provide consent in research
Assessment- Informed consent must be given before diagnostics are administered
Therapy- Professional expectations of therapy, such as confidentiality/its limits, and offering alternatives before dropping a client
If these standards are violated, the APA may censure or reprimand the psychologist, and insurances can take legal action (monetary compensation in civil court).
Key Ethical Issues
Client Well-being- When working with individuals who are mentally susceptible to harm, (eg children or the mentally ill) psychologists must strive to protect their well being
Informed Consent- The consumer has a right to know what service to expect, including any possible risks, and the patient’s right to leave treatment
Confidentiality- Very specific guidelines for what is reported; otherwise, psychologists are meant to respect your right to privacy
Competence- Psychologists must possess the skillset necessary to perform a service and provide according to a client’s need
All public and private institutions have Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) that must approve all research conducted within their institutions.
The participant has the right to revoke consent/not participate in a study at any time
Cannot be deceived about possible risks
After the research is completed, the subjects must be debriefed on the research and told the study’s purpose, results, etc.
Participants have the right to privacy.
Participants cannot be exposed to severe emotional/physical harm without consenting beforehand.
Participants must have informed consent.
The IACUC manages animal testing. Animals must be treated humanely, and efforts should be made to minimize their pain, illnesses, etc. The animals must be acquired, cared for, used, and disposed of humanely.