Ethics

The study of what constitutes good and bad human conduct, including related actions and values.

Ethical practice by a therapist is when a therapist has:

• Good moral sense
• Follows the code of ethics
• Being up to date on the existing laws that will impact their client
• Has good clinical expertise

 

The function of Professional Code of Ethics

• Define the role of the profession
• The Codes express dominant morality of the field
• Define values and goals of the profession.
• Define the standards that both the professionals and users of the professionals' services can expect in professional interactions.

 

Ethical codes guide the conduct of profession and can provide specific guidance about conduct in the form of advice or mandates.

There are several Moral Foundations

• Autonomy - people are allowed the freedom of choice and action.
• Non-maleficence - above all else, therapist will do no harm.
• Justice - humans should be treated fairly with equal distribution of good or bad.
• Fidelity - value of honoring commitments and promoting trust.
• Veracity - importance of telling truth - you must be someone they can trust
• Beneficence - refers to promoting good.

 

Malpractice Claims

Legal actions taken against therapist for actions that are believed to fall below the appropriate standard of care and might cause injury to client

Common types of malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis
• Practicing outside area of competence
• Failure to obtain informed consent treatment
• Negligent or improper treatment
• Physical contact or sexual relationships with patient
• Failure to prevent patient from harming themselves or others
• Improper release of hospitalized patients
• Failure to consult another practitioner or refer a patient
• Failure to supervise students/interns
• Abandonment of patients

 

Article Source: EzineArticles.com