PSYCH/660 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Professional Psychology
This assignment addresses the legal and ethical issues that professionals in psychology must navigate in their practice.
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Running Header: LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 1
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Professional Psychology
PSYCH/660
Discuss the legal and ethical implications of documentation and assessment in professional
psychology. How do proper documentation practices ensure adherence to ethical guidelines, and
what are the potential legal consequences of inadequate record-keeping? Provide examples from
case studies and research to support your response.
Word Count Requirement: 1000-1200 words
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Professional Psychology
PSYCH/660
Discuss the legal and ethical implications of documentation and assessment in professional
psychology. How do proper documentation practices ensure adherence to ethical guidelines, and
what are the potential legal consequences of inadequate record-keeping? Provide examples from
case studies and research to support your response.
Word Count Requirement: 1000-1200 words
2
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Professional Psychology
“To the extent the records are under their control” is a statement recognized by the APA
Code of Ethics, and is a statement that is used to cover client records and information, that
through informed consent, may be used for continuing services or legal proceedings(Fisher,
2013, Chapter 9, Standards on Record Keeping and Fees). The statement realizes that the
responsibility for records has boundaries and limitations that are recognized while that
information is in their own safekeeping, but also understands possible inappropriate use that may
or may not be intentionally created by other parties. Ethically, the statement takes the position
that “I can watch out for this stuff while I have it, but as soon as someone else has it, it’s their
problem”, and legally their responsibility extends to their ownership of material “to the extent
the records are under their (our) control”. This paper will examine the ethical and legal
implications of documentation of client’s information and treatments, and documentation and use
of assessments in psychology. It will take “the extent” aspect and define where that begins and
ends.
Ethical Issues and Documentation
Proper documentation ensures that psychologists: “benefit those with whom they work
(Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence) and fulfill their responsibilities to the society
and the specific organizations and communities in which they work (Principle B: Fidelity and
Responsibility) (Fisher, 2013, Chapter 9, Standards on Record Keeping and Fees). Not to handle
documentation appropriately is not only irresponsible, but also a complete breach of ethics as
outlined in Standard 6.01 of the APA Ethics Code. Mental health workers have an ethical
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Professional Psychology
“To the extent the records are under their control” is a statement recognized by the APA
Code of Ethics, and is a statement that is used to cover client records and information, that
through informed consent, may be used for continuing services or legal proceedings(Fisher,
2013, Chapter 9, Standards on Record Keeping and Fees). The statement realizes that the
responsibility for records has boundaries and limitations that are recognized while that
information is in their own safekeeping, but also understands possible inappropriate use that may
or may not be intentionally created by other parties. Ethically, the statement takes the position
that “I can watch out for this stuff while I have it, but as soon as someone else has it, it’s their
problem”, and legally their responsibility extends to their ownership of material “to the extent
the records are under their (our) control”. This paper will examine the ethical and legal
implications of documentation of client’s information and treatments, and documentation and use
of assessments in psychology. It will take “the extent” aspect and define where that begins and
ends.
Ethical Issues and Documentation
Proper documentation ensures that psychologists: “benefit those with whom they work
(Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence) and fulfill their responsibilities to the society
and the specific organizations and communities in which they work (Principle B: Fidelity and
Responsibility) (Fisher, 2013, Chapter 9, Standards on Record Keeping and Fees). Not to handle
documentation appropriately is not only irresponsible, but also a complete breach of ethics as
outlined in Standard 6.01 of the APA Ethics Code. Mental health workers have an ethical
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Document Details
University
University of Phoenix
Subject
Psychology