Ethical standards and Oklahoma-specific statutes and rules
Sources of obligation
Oklahoma psychologists are governed by the OPLA, Board rules in OAC Title 380, the APA Ethics Code as adopted or referenced by the Board, and federal laws such as HIPAA. When standards conflict, law generally controls, but the ethical obligation may require more than the legal minimum. Know both the general principle and the Oklahoma-specific rule.
Core ethical standards
The ethics code emphasizes beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity and responsibility, integrity, justice, and respect for rights and dignity. Applied duties include informed consent, competence, confidentiality, avoiding harm, accurate advertising, fair fees, and nonabandonment. Oklahoma-specific rules add licensure title restrictions, mandatory abuse reporting, record retention, CE, and Board cooperation.
Worked example
A client threatens an identifiable person. The psychologist assesses the threat, consults, and takes protective action permitted by law, disclosing only the minimum necessary information. The psychologist documents the threat assessment, consultation, disclosure, and rationale. The ethical duty to protect is implemented through Oklahoma law and the least intrusive effective step.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming the APA Ethics Code is itself a statute. Following a general ethical permission when Oklahoma law imposes a stricter reporting duty. Ignoring that advertising and fee statements are regulated. Treating a legal right to disclose as an ethical obligation to disclose.
Key points
- Oklahoma law, Board rules, and the APA Ethics Code all apply.
- Law controls conflicts, but ethics may demand more than minimum compliance.
- Mandatory reporting, recordkeeping, CE, and title rules are Oklahoma-specific.
- Document risk assessments, consultations, and protective actions.