APA Code Of Ethics: Malpractice

.Define what malpractice is.

Malpractice is failing to meet the standard of care listed in the APA Code of Ethics (Fisher,2017). Malpractice can cause injury to a client which is a direct violation of ethical code 3.04 Avoiding Harm. Examples of malpractice include abandonment of a client, failing to follow the medical model, and practicing techniques without the proper training (Caudill,n.d).

b. Using the assigned readings, describe the areas that are more likely to lead to malpractice and how psychologists can avoid or minimize their liability risk in these different areas.

Some areas that are more likely to lead to malpractice include: client/patient suicidality, inappropriate or excessive self-disclosure, therapists using treatment techniques

It is also appropriate if the situation is out of the psychologist boundaries of competence. According to Fisher (2017), “Ethically permissible and professionally appropriate reasons to end a therapeutic relationship include the following: (a) an organized system of health or managed care company rejects a psychologist’s recommendations for additional therapy sessions; (b) an unforeseen potentially harmful multiple relationship arises (Standards 3.05b, Multiple Relationships; 10.02b, Therapy Involving Couples or Families); (c) a client/patient repeatedly refuses to pay for services (Standard 6.04e, Fees and Financial Arrangements); (d) a psychologist becomes ill or finds therapy with a particular client/patient stressful in a manner that risks compromising professional services (Standard 2.06b, Personal Problems and Conflicts); (e) during the course of therapy, unexpected treatment needs arise that are outside the psychologist’s area of expertise (Standard 2.01, Boundaries of Competence); or (f) the psychologist is relocating or

2.01 B applies because Dr.lightfoot needs to make appropriate referrals if he chooses to not see Allison. 2.01D applies because Dr.Lightfoot can provide services if he makes a reasonable effort to obtain the competence required by using relevant research, training, consultation, or study.3.05 A applies because Dr.Lightfoot can be a dual relationship if he takes Allison as a client. 3.09 is relevant because Dr.Lightfoot should see advice from other professionals.6.04 applies because Dr.Lightfoot should not misrepresent his fees just because he accepts a certain type of insurance. 10.4 is relevant because he needs to see if Allison is receiving services already from a clinician. Other ethical standards that might apply include 3.01 Unfair Discrimination and 3.06 Conflict of Interest.

6.What are Dr. Lightfoot’s ethical alternatives for resolving this dilemma? Which alternative best reflects the Ethics Code aspirational principles and enforceable standards, legal standards, and obligations to stakeholders? Can you identify the ethical theory guiding your decision?

Dr.Lightfoot ethical alternatives for resolving this case are accepting Allison as a client or declining Allison as a client. The best alternative is to decline Allison as a client but refer her to another psychologist because of the possible dual relationship. Utilitarian theory guided me in my decision.