Ethical and Legal Reflections of APA Code Standards as Applicable to Disclosure

While it is true that some professions do not have formal codes of ethics spelled out to perform their duties well, in the case of a medical or psychology counselor offering prevention, intervention, or consultation the scenario of adherence to a Code of Ethics is critical. In particular, during the administration of consultation services the psychologist must realize that any contribution to iatrogenic harm to a client can trigger legal issues, wrapped in ethical concerns, that can affect the practitioner's professional standing and reputation. The APA Code of Ethics or Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct provides guidelines for ethical standards in the practitioner's interaction of “activities that are part of their scientific, educational or professional roles as psychologists” (APA, 2013). The application of disclosure comes to rest upon the consideration of three main areas of concern: a) Prevention, b) Intervention, and c) Consultation.

In a scenario wherein patient-type/client and counselor consultation arise ethical and legal issues are constantly inherent. The daily practitioner is ever vigilant of the situation. In terms of avoiding any iatrogenic harm to one's patron prevention is the first key to embrace. Clinging to a high standard of competence, in general principles of the Code psychologists should delegate well to teaching assistants or supportive personnel of employees, to help clarify authorizations. Prevention of any illegal disclosures of client information may be avoided this way. It also aids in constitution of honesty in the relationship of treatment. 

Intervention is especially high on the list of psychologists' duties and responsibilities as trained, responsible professionals in the field. One good example of an opportunity for intervention among colleagues is the example from Chapter 7 in the text, wherein Dougherty (2000) discusses the case about “Phil's caseload” (p. 346). The scenario draws on cross-cultural differences in which Phil “lack of concern about being prompt” for sessions disturbs his mental health consultation partner. Intervention to manage the differing views might be stabilized by applying Standard 3 in 'Human Relations' of the APA Code. 

This signifies that a conflict of interest which detracts from the professional role in any scientific, legal, or mars the relationship intended to help clients should, and by all accounts must be refrained from and avoided. In the case of Phil and Gene's difference's, the steps to take are a serious talk with each other and do not hesitate to inform the other party about legal and ethical expectations. At the same time, it would be required to expose the person to the organization's administrative leadership. You would not want the inconsistency or lackadaisical performance of another to be attributed to you, or otherwise put your institutional practice at risk. 

The third area of concern, consultation is perhaps the heart of the most sensitive and important area of a psychologist's professional competence and effectiveness. The relationship is vulnerable to ethical violations in terms of legal or financial harms. In looking to Standard 10, regarding 'Therapy' the wise psychologist would do well to properly be aware, for example, to perform reasonably when dealing with couples and/or families. As the Code admonishes it is crucial to make astute clarifications regarding the individuals involved in their relationships and family dynamics, as well as establish boundaries of the services provides. In this manner, the proper rubric of the consultation will be clear to all and help mitigate any legal or ethical issues that otherwise might spring up in a sloppy, confused setting devoid of maintaining the psychologist's proper role of leadership. Remember that leadership also entails acting as a responsible scientist and servant to one's patron.

The principles of keeping standards of excellence in the protection of client records and disclosure of any personally divulged information cannot be stressed enough. The APA Code is a guide and although quite extensive is not flawlessly exhaustive. In other words, a psychologist who would wish to maintain the highest levels of substantial legitimacy in his or her practice should commit to personal heights of delivering superb standards. In fairness to the institution that has trusted you enough to hire you, and in fairness to one's career and profession, will cultivate effectiveness. 

References

American Psychological Association (APA). (2013). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct [Data file] Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx?item=13 

Dougherty, A. M. (2000). Ethical and legal issues. In Psychological consultation and collaboration in school and community settings (3rd ed., pp. 341-368). Belmont: Brooks/Cole.