Article archive / December 1, 2016
Originally published: . Volume 7, No. 12. Source pages: 4.
Changes to Ethics Section Proposed by Psych Board
The board is suggesting changes to Chapter 13 for “Ethical Standards of Psychologists,” by removing specific reference to the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct, and replacing it with sections of the Code placed in the Rules, word-for-word, with some selections deleted.
Presently, §1301., “Preamble,” reads: “A. The Board of Examiners of Psychologists incorporates by reference and maintains that Psychologists shall follow the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct with the 2010 amendments adopted by the American Psychological Association's Council of Representatives on February 20, 2010, effective June 1, 2010. The Ethics Code and information regarding the code can be found on the APA website, http://www.apa.org/ethics, or from the LSBEP web site at http://www.lsbep.org.”
The new language would be: “Psychologists work to develop a valid and reliable body of scientific knowledge based on research. They may apply that knowledge to human behavior in a variety of contexts. In doing so, they perform many roles, such as researcher, educator, diagnostician, therapist, supervisor, consultant, administration (sic), social interventionists (sic), court mediator, and expert witness. Their goal is to broaden knowledge of behavior and, where appropriate, to apply it pragmatically to improve the condition of both the individual and society. Psychologists respect the central importance of freedom of inquiry and expression in research, teaching, and publication. Psychologists respect and protect human and civil rights, and do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair, discriminatory practices. They also strive to help the public in developing informed judgments and choices concerning human behavior. These rules set standards and guidelines are established (sic) for the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom psychologists work.”
In the current version, the language ends at this point. The psychology board proposes to add new sections that tract the APA codes, with some sections deleted.
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