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    SECTION I: Ethics Code for Professionals


    SECTION II: Students' Ethical Principles

    KEY DEFINITIONS:

    • CLIENT: anyone utilizing a service
    • PATIENT: a person who requires medical attention and/or treatment


    I. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS CODE

         This ethics code embodies an outline of the appropriate conduct for members of the Professional Advanced Services. Professionals are expected to be acquainted with the ethics code, laws, policies and regulations associated with this Institution. This doctrine is subject to change and will receive revision over time in order to include and implement new issues and information. Suggestions from members and the public are encouraged.


    GENERAL PRINCIPLES

    RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY

         The staff at this Institution has professional and scientific responsibilities to the community in which they work and reside. They must uphold their role at work to maintain the trust that the community possesses for the Institute and also work towards the betterment of society as a whole. Members try to improve the community’s welfare by conducting research at the centre and offering a variety of services to the public. At all times the personnel abide by the law, social policy, and keep in mind the best interests of the patients, clients, and public.

    PROFESSIONAL & SCIENTIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY

         Associates at the centre are responsible for conducting themselves in a professional manner that coincides with the ethical guide. All members are held accountable for their behavior at work and their actions can be reviewed under the Ethical Doctrine. To prevent misconduct staff is advised to consult affiliates when dealing with complex situations. The staff’s personal behavior/activities are not subject to evaluation under the code of ethics.

    RESPECT FOR PEOPLE’S RIGHTS & DIGNITY

         Members have respect for the rights and dignity of all people. They are conscious that age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status can all affect a person culturally, individually and determine their role in society. Professionals try to remove any biases when dealing with people and do not intentionally exhibit prejudice actions or behavior.

    RELIABILITY & HONESTY

         All personnel are expected to be honest and reliable when stating their credentials, services, products, fees, when performing research, teaching and therapy. They should not make fictitious statements nor mislead co-workers, clients, patients or the public. Professionals must always clearly state their role, adhere to this position and never engage in relationships that could jeopardize their work, research, or care of a client/patient.

    COMPETENCE

         Experts must identify their own capabilities and not exceed their educational boundaries. They must work within their area of expertise and only provide services in which they have experience, training and proof of qualifications. When the staff encounters a situation that does not have concrete professional standards existing, they must exert extreme caution and utilize careful judgment to prevent exposing anyone to harm. Professionals must also acknowledge the need to participate in ongoing education to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable in their field of specialization. Thus, they must utilize the scientific, professional, technical and administrative resources that are available to them appropriately.

    CONCERN FOR OTHERS' WELL-BEING

         The staff’s goal is to advance the well-being of clients, patients and the public. They will never deceive, make unethical decisions that would expose anyone to harm. They will always take into consideration the needs and rights of clients, patients, students, supervisees, human & animal research participants, and other individuals who might be affected by their decisions or actions.


    GENERAL STANDARDS

    A.1. RESPECT FOR RIGHTS

         Professionals respect and always try to protect the legal, public and moral rights of the clients, patients, students, co-workers, research participants and the general public. They also acknowledge that people have the right to possess differing values, attitudes, and opinions.

    A.2. NON-BIASED PERSPECTIVE

         The staff respects individual’s diversity. Regarding work oriented duties professionals will not conduct or participate in activities that show prejudice to people on the grounds of age, gender, ethnicity, national origin, race, religion, sexual selection, disability, socio-economic status and in other areas that are prohibited by the law.

    A.3. RESPONSIBILITY TO COLLEAGUES & OTHER PROFESSIONALS

         The staff and professionals must always conduct themselves in ethical manner when associating with co-workers and other professionals.

    A.4. HARM PREVENTION

         All appropriate steps are taken to avert and minimize the patients, clients, students, research participants, co-workers and the public from harmful occurrences.

    A.5. IMMORAL CONDUCT BY CO-WORKERS & PROFESSIONALS

         Members have a responsibility to report any co-worker or professional whom he/she deems to be behaving in an unsuitable and unethical manner. If the situation requires official attention, the Ethics Committee at the Institute must be informed immediately.

    A.6. SUPERVISION & CONSULTATION

         Professionals must maintain contact with their supervisor and/or consultant. They are required to attain supervision/consultation when they develop doubts or reservations about situations they encounter in the workplace.

    A.7. PROFESSIONAL LIMITATIONS

         Professionals are expected to know their boundaries of competence and thus limit their services and practices to the areas that they have received education and professional experience. Staff also has the responsibility to contact other professionals for assistance when the clients needs surpass their own professional capabilities.

    A.8. LEGITIMATE QUALIFICATIONS

         Professionals may only publicize services/practices for which they retain valid credentials. They must not mislead people by misrepresenting their qualifications.

    A.9. MAINTENANCE OF KNOWLEDGE

         Professionals have a responsibility to maintain their level of expertise in their current work field. They can accomplish this by keeping up-to-date with recent scientific and professional information in their field of practice and by engaging in activities that maintain their level of knowledge and skills.

    A.10. SEXUAL HARASSMENT

         Professionals do not permit nor do they engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can occur in various forms. It may be verbal, written, sexual gestures or physical contact. . Staff also has the responsibility to report any harassment that is occurring at the centre to the appropriate authorities.

    A.11. HARASSMENT

         Harassment can occur based on a person’s age, race, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status and language. The staff will not encourage nor participate in any activity that is harassing. Staff also has the responsibility to report any harassment that is occurring at the centre to the appropriate authorities.

    A.12. PERSONAL MATTERS & DISCORD

    1. Professionals understand that their personal matters and/or discord can disrupt their ability to perform effectively at the workplace. They must be aware of signs and seek assistance for their personal matters during the early developmental stages, to reduce any impact that their personal problems may have upon their work-related duties.

    2. Professionals will not become involved in a situation in which their personal matters could lead to endangering a patient, client, co-worker, student, research participant, or any other individuals with whom they share a binding scientific or professional responsibility.

    3. Professionals must seek qualified support for their personal problems, when they become aware that their personal issues are indeed influencing their competence. They should also receive an expert opinion advising them on whether they should restrict, suspend or cease their occupation.

    A.13. MISUSE OF PROFESSIONAL AUTHORITY

         The staff’s scientific and professional work related tasks could affect the lives of the people they come in contact with. Professionals must be aware of this and minimize the effect of personal, financial, social, organizational, or political elements from impacting their professional authority.

    A.14. MISUSE OF PROFESSIONAL WORK

         Professionals will not participate in events where others could exploit their work, and if professionals become aware of the misrepresentation of their work they will take appropriate action to amend and/or minimize the misuse of their material.

    A.15. DUEL RELATIONSHIPS

         A duel relationship occurs when a professional has contact with their client, patient, research participant, or student on a professional level and non-professional level such as, familial, social, financial, business, or engages in a close personal relationship. Professionals try to avoid duel relationships, but sometimes they cannot be prevented. When duel relationships cannot be avoided, staff should utilize tools such as informed consent, consultation, supervision, and documentation to make certain that mistreatment or discrimination has not occurred.

    A.16. BARTERING

         Bartering occurs when a professional accepts goods, services or other non-monetary items from patients or clients in exchange for the provisions of their service(s). Professionals try to avoid bartering, but they can participate in this form of remuneration if the Institute accepts it and the relationship does not lead to the mistreatment of either party.

    A.17. APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION OF PROFESSIONAL WORK

         Professionals must appropriately document their professional and scientific work, so they or others can refer them to for future use. They must organize and store their documents in accordance with the Institute.

    A.18. TASK DELEGATION

         Professionals must reasonably delegate tasks to their employees, supervisees, students, and research participants. Thus, they must only allocate assignments to individuals who are capable of performing the duty. Tasks should be delegated based upon an individual’s level of education, training, experience, and supervision.

    A.19. RECORDS & DATA

         Professionals must create, maintain, access, transfer, store and dispose of records appropriately and must uphold confidentiality, regardless of whether they are written, automated or kept in an alternative manner.

    A.20. PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

    1. Professionals should arrange payment with their patients/clients as early as possible. They should set a specific fee and arrange the method of payment. If patients/clients cannot finance the service they are receiving, they must arrange an alterative mode of remuneration.

    2. Professionals fees must be coherent with the law and their Institute, and they must not mislead their patients/clients.

    3. If patients/clients fail to meet the payment terms agreed upon, professionals might choose to use a collection agency or legal measures to obtain payment. The patient/client must first be informed of the situation and given an opportunity to pay before a third party becomes involved to collect the fees.

    A.21. ACCURATE FINANCIAL REPORTS

         All pay reports regarding services and sources of research funding must be accurately stated. The research/service, fee/funding, and where applicable the name of the contributor, the diagnosis and results must all be listed.

    A.22. REFERRALS

         When professionals determine that their knowledge is not sufficient to serve their client/patient they can refer the client/patient to another professional who possesses the level of expertise in the area the individual requires assistance. The client/patient has no obligation to the referral.


    MEDIA COMMUNICATION

    B.1. DEFINITION OF MEDIA COMMUNICATION

         Media communication entails any communication with the public, not limited to paid or non-paid, in the forms of advertising, brochures, printed material, directory listings, interviews or statements use in the media of legal proceedings, lectures, public presentations, and published work.

    B.2. SINCERE ADVERTISING

         Professionals must be accurate and sincere in their communication with the public regarding their credentials, experience, fees, activities, services, Institution, associations, publications or research. Thus, they do not make fictitious or deceptive statements in regards to their media communication.

    B.3. PUBLICITY ARRANGED BY OTHERS

    1. Professionals are responsible for any media communication that has been arranged by another person on their behalf, to promote their profession, products, and activities.

    2. Professionals must take reasonable action to prevent any deceptive material from being included in their communication with the media.

    3. If they discover misleading material has been included in their media communication, they must take the necessary steps to clarify the truth.

    4. Employees of the press, television, radio, internet or any other mode of media communication will not be rewarded by a professional in exchange for publicity in the news.

    5. Advertisements relating to a professionals activities or services must indicate to the public that it is a paid announcement.

    B.4. MEDIA PRESENTATIONS

         When professionals offer guidance/comments while participating in public lectures, demonstrations, radio, television programs, or prerecorded tapes they must take the necessary precautions to ensure; that their statements are consistent with professional text and practice, they abide by this Ethics Code, and the individuals they are interacting with do not infer that a relationship has been forged because they have received information from them.

    B.5. TESTIMONIALS

         Professionals will not request testimonials from immediate clients/patients or any other individuals who are vulnerable due to their situation and personal matters, who could be a target of exploitation.


    EVALUATION, ASSESSMENT, & INTERVENTION

    C.1 INITIAL ORIENTATION

         Professionals must conduct a general orientation to inform and prepare clients about the evaluation and assessment process and disclose any other pertinent information.

    C.2. EVALUATION, DIAGNOSIS & INTERVENTION

         Practitioners only administer evaluations/assessments instruments, diagnostic materials and intervention in a defined professional relationship.

    C.3. PURPOSE & RESULTS

         Professionals must inform clients about the purpose of the evaluation/assessment, and notify them of the meaning of the results, and also explain the tools and procedures that will be utilized.

    C.4. APPROPRIATE USE OF ASSESSMENTS & INTERVENTION

    1. Practitioners must make certain that all evaluation and assessment tools/methods are valid, reliable, relate to the purpose and appropriate to the clients needs.

    2. They avoid the misuse of evaluation/assessment procedures and take appropriate actions to prevent the misuse of information these instruments gather, by not releasing raw tests results to whose who are not qualified to interpret such information. (Raw data/results can be released to clients/patients).

    C.5. LIMITATIONS REGARDING EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT

         Professionals are aware of the evaluations/assessments services they are capable of conducting and also their limitations. They do not conduct a service that extends outside of their area of expertise, for which they have not received appropriate (qualified) training.

    C.6. ADMINISTRATION & SUPERVISION

         Professionals must ensure that evaluations and assessments are administered and supervised by qualified individuals, and the process is coherent with professional standards.

    C.7. UTILIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY

         Professionals must maintain the ethical principals of privacy and confidentiality and are held responsible for their decisions when utilizing technology to administer evaluations/assessments instruments to clients.

    C.8. TEST CONSTRUCTION

         Scientific procedures and recent professional knowledge are utilized for the creation, standardization, validation, and reduction or elimination of bias, when professionals develop, and perform research with tests and assessment tools.

    C.9. UNQUALIFIED STAFF

         Employees at the Institution do not allow evaluations and assessments instruments to be dispensed by unqualified staff.

    C.10. OUTDATED MATERIAL

         Professionals do not create, conduct, or interpret evaluation/assessment information based upon material or test results that are outdated, and do not relate to their current objectives.

    C.11. CONVEYING EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT RESULTS

         Staff has a responsibility to convey the evaluation/assessment results to the client/patient (and any other individual(s) who must review this information) in an appropriate and accurate manner. They must ensure that they provide sufficient information and correct interpretation, along with recommendations.

    C.12. RELEASE OF DATA

         Staff must only release the evaluation and assessment results to people who are qualified to understand the results and utilize the material appropriately.

    C.13. SECURITY

         The staff ensures that the integrity and security of the evaluation and assessment tools/methods are consistent with the law, contractual obligations and in agreement with the Ethics Code.


    THERAPY

    D.1. PRIMARY TASK

         Professionals have a primary responsibility to respect the integrity and protect the welfare of the client/patient. Professionals and the client/patient work collectively to improve and promote the well-being of the client/patient.

    D.2. RESPONSIBILITY TO WARN

         If a member of the staff discovers a client/patient may possibly harm a person, that employee has the responsibility to warn the person who may be in danger.

    D.3. CLIENT RIGHTS

         Professionals must inform clients/patients about the purposes, goals, methods, procedures, limitations, potential risk and benefits if they agree to their service(s), and provide them with any other relevant information. Professionals also must ensure that clients/patients understand and consent to the diagnosis process, fees and payment arrangements, record keeping, and confidentiality. Clients/patients do have a right to refuse to participate in the service(s) and are not obligated to recommendations and referrals.

    D.4. INFORMED CONSENT

         Practitioners must receive consent to therapy or any other activities related to their clients/patients service. Professionals must utilize a language that the client/patient can comprehend. Informed consent involves:

    1. The individual has the capacity to issue their consent

    2. The individual has received information regarding the service they wish to obtain, including the potential risks and benefits involved.

    3. The individual has decided to give their consent without any influence from any other person.

    4. The individual’s consent has been appropriately documented.

    D.5. CHILDREN & INDIVIDUALS WITH DIMINISHED CAPACITY

         When a child and/or an individual who has a diminished capacity, are to receive an evaluation/assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or participate in research, informed consent must be obtained from the individual(s) who are legally responsible for these individuals.

    D.6. COUPLE/FAMILY THERAPY/MULTIPLE CLIENTS

         When an employee decides to service individuals who share a relationship (example: couples/family members) they must establish:

    1. The type of relationship they will have with each person

    2. Who is defined as a client or a patient?

    By servicing people who have a relationship, the professional might discover that they possess a conflicting role. If this occurs, they will modify their service, adjust, or withdraw from the situation.

    D.7. DISRUPTION OF THERAPY

         Employees make the effort to organize the appropriate arrangements for their clients/patients in the event that their professional service becomes disrupted due to their illness, death, relocation, or unavailability.

    D.8. RELATIONSHIPS WITH PREVIOUS PATIENTS/CLIENTS

         Professionals are responsible for any relationships formed with previous clients/patients. The relationship is not limited to but may include, friendship, social, financial, research, or business related. Professionals must be careful when forging a relationship with a former client/patient. They must ensure that the issues and relationship that was present during therapy has fully been terminated, and this former relationship will not affect the present one.

    D.9. SEXUAL INTIMACY

         Professionals avoid and do not encourage sexual intimacy with their clients/patients, and they also do not provide therapy for people who they were/or presently are involved in a sexual relationship. Professionals do not participate in sexual relations with clients/patients for a minimum of three years after the termination of therapy. Sexual relations are not limited to a minimum of three years after treatment, it may extend depending on the clients/patients psychological and emotional state.

    D.10. ACCESS TO FILES

         Professionals understand that clients/patients have a right to have access to their files, even if they have failed to meet the payment requirements. Employees can only disclosure client/patient information to other individuals once they have received a written consent from the client/patient or when it is mandatory by the law.

    D.11. GROUP SESSIONS

         Professionals must screen all clients/patients who participate in group sessions. They must take reasonable action to protect group members from physical and psychological danger that could result from interacting with certain individuals during and after the group sessions.

    D.12. TERMINATION OF THERAPY

         Professionals do not abandon their clients/patients. They decide to terminate therapy when it becomes evident that:

    1. The client/patient no longer requires their service

    2. The client/patient is no longer benefiting from their service

    3. The client/patient is in danger of enduring harm or is currently exposed to harm because they are obtaining their service.


    CONFIDENTIALITY

    E.1. MAINTAINING CONFIDENTIALITY

         Professionals have an obligation to maintain client/patient confidentiality and are required to take reasonable action to fulfill this responsibility, as established by the law, Institution, and professional and scientific relationships.

    E.2. MINIMIZING OBSTRUCTION OF PRIVACY

         In order to minimize the obstruction of the client’s/patient’s privacy, professionals only record written and oral information (reports & consultation) that is useful to the client’s/patient’s case. Also, professionals only discuss information that has been gathered from a clinical setting, evaluation/consultation regarding their clients/patients, students, research participants, and co-workers when it pertains to a scientific or professional matter.

    E.3. DISCLOSURE

         Professional only disclosure confidential client/patient information, without obtaining the client’s/patient’s consent when is it mandated by the law, or when it is permitted by the law. The following are circumstance in which confidential client/patient data can be release without their consent:

    1. In order to provide essential professional services to the client/patient, individual, or organizational client
    2. To acquire professional consultation

    3. To shield the client/patient or another from harm

    4. To attain payment from the client/patient. In this situation, only the information necessary to obtain payment is revealed.

    5. Information can be released to another legally authorized individual, on behalf of the client/patient, unless it is prohibited by the law.

    E.4. CONSULTATIONS

         When professionals consult with colleagues they only divulge information that is necessary to the purpose of the collaboration. They never reveal the identity of the client/patient, student, research participant, individual, or organization with whom they are bound by obligation to uphold confidentiality, unless they have obtained consent or disclosure of this information is crucial.

    E.5. USE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

         Professionals never reveal the identity or any information that could lead to the identification of clients/patients, students, research participants, individuals or organizations in their writings, lectures or media communication, they have interacted with on a scientific or professional level. They may only disclose data about an individual or organization once they have obtained a written consent from them.


    EDUCATION & TRAINING

    F.1. EDUCATIONAL & TRAINING PROGRAMS

         Professionals who are responsible for educational and training programs must make certain that the programs are designed properly, including necessary curriculum, content, experiences, and embodies all the requirements that are essential for students to obtain legitimate certification in the program.

    F.2. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMS

         Professionals accountable for educational and training programs must release a clear and accurate account of the programs (and courses) being offered. The description must include, curriculum, content, training goals, objectives, and requirements that must be achieved in order to complete the program. This information must be made available to all prospective and current students.

    F.3. ACCURACY & OBJECTIVITY

         Professionals must present educational material objectively and accurately. Professionals realize that they possess a position superior to that of the students, and do not use this power to exploit or mistreat students or any other individuals.

    F.4. RESTRICTIONS ON TEACHING

         Professionals do not teach skills that entail specialized training (such as hypnosis, biofeedback and projective techniques) to individuals who fail to possess the required prerequisite training, experience or knowledge.

    F.5. ASSESSING PERFORMANCE

         Professionals are approachable individuals who provide feedback to student in an appropriate and objective manner, and only assess students based their performance on associated and previously earned program requirements.


    RESEARCH

    G.1. RESEARCH

    1. When professionals design, execute and report research they abide by the recognized standards of scientific competence and ethical research.

    2. Professionals design their research to avoid deceptive contents, exploitation and mistreatment of individuals.

    3. If issues arise when professionals are planning their research they will consult with the Institutions review boards to resolve the matter.

    4. Professional take into consideration the rights and welfare of both human and animal research participants. When designing research, they implement steps to provide protection for both humans and animal subjects.

    G.2. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

    1. Professionals work competently, abide by ethical principles, and respect the rights and welfare of all research participants. (Including both humans and animals)

    2. Professionals are responsible for the research conducted by them, and they research and research conducted under their supervision.

    3. Professionals only perform research in the areas which they possess the necessary training, skills and experience.

    4. Professionals collaborate with specialist when the research they are conducting is on a special population, or if their work is likely to affect a special population.

    G.3. AGREEMENT WITH THE LAW & THE INSTITUTION STANDARDS

         Professionals conduct research that is coherent with the federal, provincial, municipal and Institutional regulations, as well as the according to professional standards regarding research on human and animal participants.

    G.4. INSTITUTIONAL AUTHORIZATION

         Professionals submit a research proposal containing an accurate outline of their prospective investigation, and only commence their project once their research protocol has been approved.

    G.5. INFORMED CONSENT OF RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

         Professionals must utilize a language that is comprehendible by the research participant, in order to obtain informed consent. Not only must they use a language the subject can understand, they must also outline; the purpose of the research, explain the subjects role in the research, inform the participant that they have no obligation to participate, (participation must be voluntary) and they must present the consequences related to participating or withdrawing from the research. Professionals must ensure that research participants understand all the information listed above.

    G.6. INCENTIVE BASED RESEARCH

         Professionals conducting incentive based research must clearly state the nature of the research, the potential risks, benefits, responsibility, and restrictions the project entails, and also explain the details of the incentive.

    G.7. MISLEADING RESEARCH

    1. Professionals do not promote or engage in misleading research unless deceptive techniques are essential to the investigation and are acceptable scientifically and educationally, and not other alternative is possible.

    2. Professionals will not mislead research participants about the process of the investigation, in the event that the truth would cause them to withdraw from the research. (Because of factors such as physical harm, discomfort, terrible emotional experiences)

    3. If deceptive techniques are part of the research the participants must have the situation explained to them at the end of their participation, yet no later than the end of the investigation.

    G.8. WELFARE OF ANIMAL PARTICIPANTS

    1. Professionals conducting research with animal subjects treat them humanely.

    2. Professionals follow the federal, provincial and municipal laws and professional standards when obtaining, tending, utilizing and disposing of animal subjects.

    3. Professionals that are trained in the research procedures and who possess experience with laboratory animals must oversee the involvement of animals in the project and are accountable for the animal’s health, comfort, treatment and living environment.

    4. Professionals must make certain that all individuals under their supervision have received appropriate training regarding the animals they are required to handle. They must be knowledgeable about how to deal with and care for the species being used.

    5. Professionals must take reasonable measure to minimize the pain, infection, sickness and discomfort of the animal participants.

    6. Exposing an animal to pain and distress is only utilized when no alternative method is available, and the objective of the project is supported by the scientific, educational and applied value.

    7. Professionals must ensure that all surgical procedures are conducted when animals are under anesthesia and all possible action it taken to prevent infection, and discomfort prior, throughout and following surgery.

    8. When it is necessary to terminate an animal’s life, it must be done quickly to minimize any discomfort and in accordance with professional standards.

    G.9. PUBLISHING & SHARING DATA

    1. Professionals only take responsibility and credit for the work they have performed or participated in collaboration.

    2. Once a professional has published their material they do not withhold their material from other professionals, who wish to verify their theories and results. They must release their findings, but the confidentiality of the research participants must be respected unless legal rights override this element.

    G.10. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTORS

         Professionals must reward the individuals who contributed towards the investigation or whose research was utilized throughout. Contributors be credited through, joint authorship, acknowledgement, or footnote statements. When an article is bases upon a student’s thesis project, the student is regarded as the principal author.

    G.11. PLAGIARISM

         Professionals do not promote or participate in plagiarism. They do not present another’s work as their own, and they cite their data source(s) when utilizing information belonging to other people.


    REFERENCES

    American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists & Code of Conduct: 1992

         http://www.apa.org/ethics/code.html

    Canadian Counseling Association (CCA) Code of Ethics: 1999

         http://www.ccacc.ca/coe.htm



    II. STUDENTS' ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

         Students will be receiving psychotherapy and will be trained to give psychotherapy with fellow colleagues and outside clients. This following section embodies the rules and rights which students at the Professional Advanced Services must abide by and are entitled to as a student. Students must familiarize themselves with the laws, policies and rights entrenched not only in this section but the entire ethical doctrine because of their multi-dimensional role, as a student, professional and client. The doctrine is subject to change and will receive revision over time in order to include and implement new issues and information. Suggestion from members and the public are encouraged.

    PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR

         Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, reflecting the principles of the Professional Advanced Institution. Students must be conscious of how their behavior, appearance, attitudes, and ideals impact their clients/patients, colleagues and the public.

    HONOR CODE

         Upon accepting a position as an intern at the Professional Advanced Services students are making a commitment to sustain and abide by the honor system. The honor system endorses that each individual has the right to compete with fellow students, receive credit for their work where appropriate, and to be viewed as a reliable and trustworthy individual. Thus, students must be honorable when completing assignments, when participating in psychotherapy and when interacting with clients/patients, colleagues, public, and advocate this type of conduct with other students in their program.

    MISCONDUCT

         Misconduct will not be tolerated at this Institution. The following list outlines acts of misconduct. Students who engage in such behavior will be subject to review by their supervisors and the Institutions board.

    • Lying

    • Cheating

    • Plagiarism

    • Sabotaging the work of another

    • Illegal use, possession, and/or distribution of drugs/narcotics

    • Ownership, use, distribution of apparatus that is intended for purposes of growing producing, and or dispensing any drugs/narcotics

    • Falsification of documentation, student identification

    • Offensive, obscene language and or conduct

    • Damage or theft of the Institutes property

    • Physical abuse; sexual abuse; bodily harm

    • Disruption of academic/clinical proceedings


    STUDENT IMPAIRMENT

         Students are held accountable for the well-being of the public and the clients/patients at the Institution, and they must ensure that the needs of these individuals take precedence. If a student discovers that a colleague’s performance has been impaired by; a psychiatric/psychological disorder(s), extreme personal discord, particular circumstances, emotional distress, physical anomalies, drug/narcotics and or alcohol abuse, they have the responsibility to report this matter to their supervisor.

         Student must attend to their own personal issues to make certain that their ability to function in an academic or clinical setting will not hindered, and the welfare of the clients/patients, public, or research participants will not be endanger. Students who come forth and disclose that their judgment is presently impaired will be treated with respect, and receive understanding and support from the Institution. Student impairment may include:

    • Emotional & physical adversities

    • Chemical addiction

    • Stress, anxiety, exhaustion

    • Intense personal/relationship impediments

    • Emotional & psychological disorders


    ATTENDANCE & TIMELY ARRIVAL

         Students are expected to be present for all academic and clinical curriculums. If a student is unable to attend an academic/clinical session they must inform their superior and or client/patient, unless circumstances are unforeseeable. Students must be punctual for all academic components and clinical appointments.

    CONFIDENTIALITY

         Students have the responsibility to ensure that clients/patients and colleagues information is kept confidential. Please carefully review the professional’s ethics code and client’s rights section.

    ACCESS TO ACADEMIC RECORDS

         Students have to right to access their academic.


    REFERENCES

    Professional Psychology - Policies and Procedures
    (University of St. Thomas)

    Student Conduct Code
    (Santa Clara University)


    This document was prepared by: Jennifer Jairam