Ethics and Professional Conduct Standards
What the domain tests
This domain tests ethical decision-making under the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct as adopted by the Board, plus Louisiana-specific conduct rules. Expect informed consent, confidentiality, competence, multiple relationships, boundaries, records, advertising, assessment, and supervision.
Core rules
- Obtain informed consent at the outset and when services change; explain nature, risks, alternatives, fees, confidentiality limits, and who is the client.
- Confidentiality is broad but not absolute: disclose only as authorized or required by law, including abuse reporting, court orders, and imminent risk.
- Avoid multiple relationships that could impair objectivity or exploit a client. Not every overlap is unethical, but the burden is on the psychologist to manage or avoid it.
- Practice only within competence; obtain training, consultation, or referral when a case exceeds it.
- Keep accurate records, protect them, and release them only with proper authorization or legal requirement.
- Advertising and public statements must be truthful and not misleading; do not use testimonials in ways that compromise confidentiality.
Worked example
A client invites her psychologist to attend her church fundraiser and asks him to buy tickets. Accepting creates a social and community overlap and a financial secondary relationship. The psychologist should decline, explain that the relationship must remain professional, and document the discussion. If the client later raises it in therapy, he should explore the meaning without becoming defensive.
Traps
Do not treat confidentiality as absolute. Do not assume a small gift or barter is always fine. Do not provide opinions about a person you have not evaluated. Do not let a subpoena override privilege without legal review.