CODE OF ETHICS

Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

Introduction

The Canadian Code of Ethics for health care professionals and specially psychologists provides an ethical framework and decision-making model that is useful for addressing emerging areas of practice in psychology. This paper reviews some actual and potential applications of the Code to such areas as conflict between professional standards and third party expectations; community psychology, diversity and vulnerable populations; custody and access evaluation; recovered memories; and services via electronic technology. The use of the Canadian Code by several psychology and non-psychology organizations to develop their own ethical guidelines is summarized, as well as use by a body of elected officials. Perceived weakness are discussed. The wide recognition of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists speaks to its broad-based relevance for those people who are trusted to serve the public interest.

The moral framework of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists and its ethical decision-making process is invaluable in resolving dilemmas in contexts beyond those specifically covered in professional codes. Pettifor (1989) asked" Did Hamlet need a Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists?" and suggested that the CPA guidelines for ethical decision making might have enabled him to resolve his moral dilemmas with more constructive results than the tragic consequences presented in the Shakespearean drama. Psychology as an organized profession develops codes of ethics, codes of conduct, and practice standards to guide its members in behaving respectfully, competently and appropriately when engaged in research, teaching and practice. However, in new areas of practice, there is a dearth of guidelines, and professionals often are expected to determine on their own what behaviors and attitudes are appropriate in these circumstances.

Often people look for rules of conduct or behaviour because they are specific, concrete, and easy to understand. Rules have their place in defining or operationalizing the ethical principles that are endorsed by the profession. However, it is impossible to make enough rules to cover all situations. In addition, rules sometimes do not serve the good purposes for which they were intended, and may be minimal and situation-specific. In our changing society, new issues emerge and professionals look to ethical principles to provide guidance on how to serve the public good.

This study will present a number of examples in which the moral framework of ethical principles in the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, and its ethical decision-making steps, provide guidance for psychologists in navigating new and inadequately charted areas of practice. It also addresses the assistance the Code provides to non-psychologists in articulating principles to meet their particular areas of concern.

Professional Standards And Third Party Expectations

Psychologists face difficult dilemmas when professional standards that serve the welfare of the client appear to conflict with the expectations and demands of employers, third parties, and other interested persons (Pettifor, 1980; Ritchie, 1982). The direct recipient of services is seen by the profession as the primary client, although a referral source, policy maker, employer, funder or other third party may not ...