APS code of ethics

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Questions and Answers

What should be done if a client is no longer benefiting from psychological services?

Continue services until the client requests an end.

Terminate services for the client's well-being. (correct)

Offer the client a discount to encourage continuation.

Refer the client to a different professional after termination.

What is a key consideration when collaborating with other professionals for client services?

Cooperate when it enhances service to clients. (correct)

Maintain independence and avoid collaboration.

Consult only with professionals from your field.

Only collaborate if beneficial to your practice.

Why is it important to use quality instruments/measures in psychological assessments?

They ensure accurate scoring and reporting. (correct)

They make assessments easier and faster.

They help maintain professional reputation.

They allow for maximum client engagement.

What must be declared to clients regarding conflicts of interest?

All financial interests in the services provided. Signup and view all the answers

What should professionals do if they encounter conflicting demands on their time?

Consult guidelines for resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of honesty in professional communication?

To correct any misrepresentations or misconceptions. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done regarding financial arrangements in psychological services?

Ensure arrangements are understood and clear. Signup and view all the answers

What is required when offering second opinions to clients?

An unbiased evaluation and report. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to discuss authorship early in collaborative work?

To avoid conflicts later on regarding contributions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is considered exploiting a professional relationship?

Using a superior's influence for personal gain. Signup and view all the answers

What should psychologists avoid in their interactions to align with the principle of Justice?

Engaging in any form of discrimination Signup and view all the answers

When are psychologists allowed to disclose client information?

With the client's consent Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for informed consent according to the APS Code of Ethics?

Inform clients in plain language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions demonstrates a breach of confidentiality?

Discussing client details in a public setting Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of psychologists regarding the privacy of their clients?

Only collect information relevant to services Signup and view all the answers

What must psychologists inform clients about at the beginning of their services?

The limits to confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would allow a psychologist to breach confidentiality without consent?

Identifying imminent risk of harm to others Signup and view all the answers

What does the APS Code suggest about clients’ rights to access their information?

Clients should be granted reasonable requests for access Signup and view all the answers

How should psychologists treat their colleagues according to the principle of Respect?

Maintain a non-discriminatory and respectful demeanor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is not advised when handling client information?

Using information for personal profit Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a client's capacity to give informed consent is limited?

Seek informed consent from individuals authorized to act on the client’s behalf. Signup and view all the answers

For how long must records be kept for clients under the age of 18?

Until they turn 25 years old. Signup and view all the answers

What is one important aspect of professional responsibility for psychologists?

Taking full responsibility for the consequences of their conduct. Signup and view all the answers

When providing psychological services at the request of a third party, what must psychologists explain?

The nature of the relationship and the psychologist’s role. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to ensure the ethical delegation of professional tasks?

Ensure that delegates are familiar with the code of ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is required when providing psychological services to multiple clients?

Explain limitations to confidentiality and obtain explicit acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the essential skills psychologists must maintain?

Practice only within their boundaries of professional competence. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of record keeping, how long should general client records be maintained?

For 7 years. Signup and view all the answers

What role does self-monitoring play in a psychologist's professional practice?

It is essential for maintaining professional competence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a required action when using interpreters in psychological settings?

Ensure interpreters are competent in the relevant context. Signup and view all the answers

What should a psychologist do if they suspect a colleague of misconduct?

Cite the section of the Code that was breached. Signup and view all the answers

How long must psychologists wait after terminating a professional relationship with a former client before engaging in sexual activity?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a psychologist advised to do before engaging in sexual relationships with former clients after the 2-year waiting period?

Seek advice from a senior psychologist. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a concern reported by clients in sexual relationships with their counselor?

Increased social support Signup and view all the answers

What action should psychologists take regarding ethical complaints against colleagues?

File complaints only if they are substantiated. Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with clients who are involved in sexual relationships with counselors?

Increased risk of suicide Signup and view all the answers

What should be encouraged for former clients before psychologists engage in sexual relationships after 2 years?

To seek independent counseling. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects ethical practices regarding client relationships?

Psychologists must avoid sexual relations with clients and their relatives. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological disturbances may clients experience due to sexual relations with counselors?

Unstable mood and suppressed rage Signup and view all the answers

When should psychologists NOT accept a person as a client?

If they previously engaged in sexual activity with them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Principle A: Respect the rights and dignity of people

Psychologists should not engage in any form of discrimination
Psychologists should not engage in any behaviours that could be perceived as coercive or demeaning, or that disrespect the legal, moral, and proprietary rights of their clients or other colleagues.
They must inform clients fully, using plain language, of the psychological services they intend to provide and practical guidelines for how to ensure informed consent.
There are specific guidelines for when clients do not have the capacity to consent.
There must be no undue invasion of privacy in the collection of client information. Only relevant information should be collected, and supervisees or trainees should not be required to disclose their personal information.
Psychologists must make provisions regarding the confidentiality of client information, including its collection, recording, accessing, storage, dissemination, and disposal.
Confidentiality must be maintained even after leaving a specific work setting or ceasing to provide psychological services.

General Principle B: Propriety

Psychologists must maintain appropriate skills and continue learning to ensure competent practice within the boundaries of their professional competence.
They must engage in professional supervision and consultation, self-monitor their professional functioning, and keep accurate records of their clients for at least seven years, or until the client is 25 years old if they are under 18.
Clients must have the right to amend inaccurate information in their records.
When providing psychological services at the request of a third party, the psychologist must explain the nature of the relationship, their role, the uses of the information obtained, the limits to confidentiality, and any financial arrangements that apply.
When providing services to multiple clients, limitations of confidentiality should be explained in advance, and clients should be given the opportunity to consider the situation and explicitly accept the limitations.
The delegation of professional tasks must be done responsibly, with the delegate having read the code of ethics, ensuring that no multiple relationships exist, and there will be no risk of harm to the client, and with the delegator overseeing the task to ensure competence.
The use of interpreters requires ensuring that the interpreter is competent within the relevant context.
Psychologists should cooperate with other professionals where appropriate to provide effective service to clients and offer second opinions when necessary.
Suitable arrangements should be made to ensure that clients continue to receive appropriate services when a psychologist suspends their services, and clients should be provided with the opportunity to terminate services when they stop benefiting, for their own well-being, or due to the client needing greater expertise than the psychologist possesses.
Guidelines are provided for the resolution of conflicting demands, and psychological assessments must utilize quality instruments and measures, with limitations explained to clients. They must be scored and reported accurately.

General Principle C: Integrity

Psychologists must demonstrate reputable behavior and avoid bringing themselves or the profession into disrepute.
They must communicate honestly and correct any misrepresentations or misconceptions.
There are specific guidelines for advertising psychological services, and professionals must accurately portray their qualifications.
Psychologists must avoid multiple relationships that can impair their professional practice, and seek advice from a senior psychologist when unsure if a situation constitutes a conflict of interest. If unavoidable, informed consent guidelines must be carefully followed, and any vested interests in psychological services should be declared to their clients.
No exploitation of past or current professional relationships should be engaged in. Psychologists should not exploit their relationships with assistants, employees, colleagues, or supervisees.
Authorship should be discussed early on in any collaborative project, and assigned according to contribution.
Students' rights and the consent of all contributors should be considered.
Financial arrangements must be honest, clear, safeguard the best interests of all parties, and be clearly understood by those parties. They should avoid financial arrangements that could adversely influence the psychological services provided, and no financial arrangements should be made for referrals between professionals.
Psychologists must cooperate with any investigations of ethical concerns and cite the relevant section of the code when lodging an ethical complaint.
Unsubstantiated ethical complaints should not be made against colleagues.
Psychologists should avoid sexual activity with current and former clients and those closely related to current and former clients, and must explore ethical concerns related to potential vulnerability or exploitation with a senior psychologist before engaging with a former client in such a relationship, and strongly encourage them to seek independent counselling.
Clients who are having sexual relationships with their counsellor often feel/experience:
- Identity disturbances
- Ambivalence toward their counselor
- Loss of trust
- Guilt
- Isolation
- Sexual confusion
- Emptiness
- Unstable mood
- Thought disturbances, including disturbances to cognitive functions,
- Suppressed rage
- And are at greatly increased risk of suicide.

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