This document outlines the General Standards section of the APA Ethics Code. It discusses 27 standards psychologists must follow regarding competency, relationships, discrimination, conflicts of interest, documentation, and more. The standards are meant to ensure psychologists provide services ethically and avoid harming clients. Key points include only practicing within one's competence, maintaining appropriate professional relationships, obtaining consent for services, avoiding discrimination, and properly documenting work.

1. The APA Ethics Code
General Standards
General Standards, 1 – 27

2. 1.01 Applicability of the Ethics
Code
Obey these rules while acting as a psychologist or
in doing any work that is psychological in nature
Working in the office
Teaching
Talking on the phone or using the internet
Giving talks or appearing on radio/tv
Performing professional or volunteer work
WHEN IN DOUBT, DON’T GUESS!!

3. 1.02 Relationship of Ethics and
Law
If ethics and law conflict, be sure to let
others know that you have an obligation to
follow this Code of Ethics, and then do the
best you can to resolve this difficult
situation.
Sometimes you may need a creative
solution
At times, you may have to compromise
your ethics to comply with the law

4. 1.03 Professional and Scientific
Relationship
Do your work in a defined scientific or
professional role. When you are off duty,
be off duty!
Consider legal, ethical, and professional
standards when choosing your work setting

5. 1.04 Boundaries of Competence
Only do what you are competent to do.
Always stay within your depth when
providing services, teaching, or carrying
out research, even though you may be
tempted to go farther at times.
Formal education/training
Supervision
Professional experience

6. 1.05 Maintaining Expertise
Stay on top of new developments in your
area, and keep your skills sharp.
Books and journals
Workshops and conventions
Give presentations
Join a peer consulting group
GROW PROFESSIONALLY!

7. 1.06 Basis for Scientific and
Professional Judgments
Make sure that your opinions and judgments
are firmly based on professional training
and scientific knowledge. In any
professional setting:
Don’t go beyond supporting data
Don’t overgeneralize or oversimplify

8. 1.07 Describing the Nature &
Results of Psychological
Services
Inform those whom you teach, consel,
consult with, or supervise about the nature
of your work and tell them in simple
language what they can expect before
beginning the work.

9. •1.08 Human Differences
When working with someone who differs from you,
make sure that you have an adequate
understanding of those differences to provide
competent intervention.
Age
Gender
Race/ethnicity/National origin/language
Religion
Sexual orientation
Disability
Socioeconomic Status

10. 1.09 Respecting Others
When working, teaching, or collaborating
with people who hold values, attitudes, or
opinions that vary from your own, respect
their right to be different from you. Live
and let live.

11. 1.10 Nondiscrimination
In your work, do not treat people unfairly or
provide them with less care just because
they happen to be different from you.
Treat others impartially

12. 1.11 Sexual Harrassment
When at your workplace, don’t engage in any
behaviors that could be construed as
sexually harrassing, especially after you
have been told they are offensive:
Flirting
Physically touching, etc.
Joking, commenting, etc.
Nonverbal communication

13. 1.12 Other Harrassment
Do not deride, belittle, make fun of, or
otherwise harrass your colleagues.

14. 1.13 Personal Problems and
Conflicts
Periodically throughout their lives,
psychologists, as do most people, suffer
the consequences of personal distress.
Know when you distress has the potential
for affecting your work and possibly
harming others. Be aware of personal
weaknesses and “blind spots” and attempt
to compensate for them.

15. 1.14 Avoiding Harm
Never harm patients, clients, research
participants, students, or anyone else with
whom you work.

16. 1.15 Misuse of Psychologists’
Influence
What you say and do as a psychologist has the
strong potential or affecting people or groups in
important ways, so be cautious. Some of the
ways you can affect others are:
Personally
Financially
Socially
Organizationally
politically

17. 1.16 Misuse of Psychologists’
Work
Do not engage in professional activities
where your skills or data will knowingly
be misused
If your work is misued or misrepresented,
be sure to make corrections or at least try
to

18. 1.17 Multiple Relationships
Keep your professional and scientific
relationships clear, simple, and
straightforward. Be sure you maintain
your:
Objectivity
Competence
Ability to function without harming or
exploiting others

19. 1.18 Barter (With Patients or
Clients)
Ordinarily, don’t accept goods or services in
exchange for your services because doing
so creates the potential for conflicts,
exploitation, and tension within the
professional relationship.

20. 1.19 Exploitative Relationships
Don’t use your power or authority over
someone else to your advantage. You
function as a psychologist to fulfill your
professional role and provide a service that
is reimbursed. You are not entitled to
anything else from the other person, even
though he or she may be very willing to
provide it.

21. 1.20 Consultations & Referrals
Seek professional consultation if the client
exceeds your competence or presents
issues that are outside your training and
experience.

22. 1.21 Third-Party Requests for
Services
If you are asked to perform therapy, assessment, or
some other psychological service by a third party
(e.g. parent, teacher, human resources office,
commanding officer) make sure that each party
understands
Your role
How the services/information is to be used
Limitations to confidentiality or privacy
Also, be sure to KEEP GOOD RECORDS!

23. 1.22 Delegation to and
Supervision of Subordinates
Whenever you delegate professional
responsibilities to others or supervise their
professional activities, make sure that they
are competent according to their education,
training, or experience.

24. 1.23 Documentation of
Professional & Scientific Work
Psychologists appropriately document their
professional and scientific work in order to
facilitate provision of services later by
them or by other professionals, to ensure
accountability, and to meet other
requirements of institutions or the law.

25. 1.24 Records & Data
You must obey state and federal laws and
this Ethics Code in documenting your
work.

26. 1.25 Fees & Financial
Arrangements
Inform clients and patients about your fees
and payment policies early in the
professional relationship. Printed handouts
and signed consent forms are a good idea.

27. 1.26 Accuracy in Reports to
Payors and Funding Sources
Don’t lie or distort information you provide
to third-party payors and funding sources.

28. 1.27 Referrals and Fees
Never pay anyone or accept payment from
another for a referral for psychological
services.