The APA Ethics CodeGeneral Standards

General Standards, 1 – 27

1.01 Applicability of the Ethics Code

Obey these rules while acting as a psychologist or in doing any work that is psychological in nature

Working in the officeTeachingTalking on the phone or using the internetGiving talks or appearing on radio/tvPerforming professional or volunteer workWHEN IN DOUBT, DON’T GUESS!!

1.02 Relationship of Ethics and Law

If ethics and law conflict, be sure to let others know that you have an obligation to follow this Code of Ethics, and then do the best you can to resolve this difficult situation.

Sometimes you may need a creative solution

At times, you may have to compromise your ethics to comply with the law

1.03 Professional and Scientific Relationship

Do your work in a defined scientific or professional role. When you are off duty, be off duty!

Consider legal, ethical, and professional standards when choosing your work setting

1.04 Boundaries of Competence

Only do what you are competent to do. Always stay within your depth when providing services, teaching, or carrying out research, even though you may be tempted to go farther at times.

Formal education/trainingSupervisionProfessional experience

1.05 Maintaining Expertise

Stay on top of new developments in your area, and keep your skills sharp.

Books and journalsWorkshops and conventionsGive presentationsJoin a peer consulting groupGROW PROFESSIONALLY!

1.06 Basis for Scientific and Professional Judgments

Make sure that your opinions and judgments are firmly based on professional training and scientific knowledge. In any professional setting:

Don’t go beyond supporting dataDon’t overgeneralize or oversimplify

1.07 Describing the Nature & Results of Psychological Services

Inform those whom you teach, consel, consult with, or supervise about the nature of your work and tell them in simple language what they can expect before beginning the work.

•1.08 Human Differences

When working with someone who differs from you, make sure that you have an adequate understanding of those differences to provide competent intervention.

AgeGenderRace/ethnicity/National origin/languageReligionSexual orientationDisabilitySocioeconomic Status

1.09 Respecting Others

When working, teaching, or collaborating with people who hold values, attitudes, or opinions that vary from your own, respect their right to be different from you. Live and let live.

1.10 Nondiscrimination

In your work, do not treat people unfairly or provide them with less care just because they happen to be different from you. Treat others impartially

1.11 Sexual Harrassment

When at your workplace, don’t engage in any behaviors that could be construed as sexually harrassing, especially after you have been told they are offensive:

FlirtingPhysically touching, etc.Joking, commenting, etc.Nonverbal communication

1.12 Other Harrassment

Do not deride, belittle, make fun of, or otherwise harrass your colleagues.

1.13 Personal Problems and Conflicts

Periodically throughout their lives, psychologists, as do most people, suffer the consequences of personal distress. Know when you distress has the potential for affecting your work and possibly harming others. Be aware of personal weaknesses and “blind spots” and attempt to compensate for them.

1.14 Avoiding Harm

Never harm patients, clients, research participants, students, or anyone else with whom you work.

1.15 Misuse of Psychologists’ Influence

What you say and do as a psychologist has the strong potential or affecting people or groups in important ways, so be cautious. Some of the ways you can affect others are:

PersonallyFinanciallySociallyOrganizationallypolitically

1.16 Misuse of Psychologists’ Work

Do not engage in professional activities where your skills or data will knowingly be misused

If your work is misued or misrepresented, be sure to make corrections or at least try to

1.17 Multiple Relationships

Keep your professional and scientific relationships clear, simple, and straightforward. Be sure you maintain your:

ObjectivityCompetenceAbility to function without harming or

exploiting others

1.18 Barter (With Patients or Clients)

Ordinarily, don’t accept goods or services in exchange for your services because doing so creates the potential for conflicts, exploitation, and tension within the professional relationship.

1.19 Exploitative Relationships

Don’t use your power or authority over someone else to your advantage. You function as a psychologist to fulfill your professional role and provide a service that is reimbursed. You are not entitled to anything else from the other person, even though he or she may be very willing to provide it.

1.20 Consultations & Referrals

Seek professional consultation if the client exceeds your competence or presents issues that are outside your training and experience.

1.21 Third-Party Requests for Services

If you are asked to perform therapy, assessment, or some other psychological service by a third party (e.g. parent, teacher, human resources office, commanding officer) make sure that each party understands

Your roleHow the services/information is to be usedLimitations to confidentiality or privacy

Also, be sure to KEEP GOOD RECORDS!

1.22 Delegation to and Supervision of Subordinates

Whenever you delegate professional responsibilities to others or supervise their professional activities, make sure that they are competent according to their education, training, or experience.

1.23 Documentation of Professional & Scientific Work

Psychologists appropriately document their professional and scientific work in order to facilitate provision of services later by them or by other professionals, to ensure accountability, and to meet other requirements of institutions or the law.

1.24 Records & Data

You must obey state and federal laws and this Ethics Code in documenting your work.

1.25 Fees & Financial Arrangements

Inform clients and patients about your fees and payment policies early in the professional relationship. Printed handouts and signed consent forms are a good idea.

1.26 Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources

Don’t lie or distort information you provide to third-party payors and funding sources.

1.27 Referrals and Fees

Never pay anyone or accept payment from another for a referral for psychological services.