Case Study: Ethical Considerations While Building A Website
The internet has become a very flexible tool it appears from the outside and looking in, for businesses to advertise or to create a clinical practice. Psychologist professionals must take caution when using technology and the risk associated with The American Psychology Association (APA) their standards and ethical practices associated with confidentiality and ethics violations.
Ethical issues involved the Standards that are provided in 5. 05 of The American Psychology Association (APA). The rule states that psychologist cannot proposition their clients or anyone else for testimonials. By doing so it influences undue circumstances that can open up and cause vulnerability to the client. Using their client’s testimonials is not in their best of interest and defiantly not what they are intended to be used for. When it comes to testimonials there are several networks and forums that people post their point of views. However, using a client or a client that you previously had, you cannot exploit or use in any way, their testimonials on your web page or use it for anything that the public, courts, schools etc. , or any anyone else who can see it. Exposing anyone’s health records is a violation of the HIPPA laws and are punishable by federal prison time and fines of $2, 000.
The person’s statements might not be truthful and can be changed by adding or deleting information. That would put the integrity of the shelter’s pretensionless reputation on the line.
Web Developer/Consultant’s Strategies
The concerns of the web developer and the consultant’s strategies is leaving the shelter in a vulnerable position. The APA ethic codes are available at any time and simple methods are not an excuse not to know and follow them fisher 2013 the web developer cannot use the methods they're proposing but must use circumspection of what risks will be for the shelter. The web developer or consultant may need to educate themselves with the laws, regulations, and the governing bodies in the healthcare industry to research codes and APA standards.
My Recommendations Made to the Shelter
I would recommend when building a website for the shelter is to research what can and cannot be used on a website, do not be in such a hurry as to make costly mistakes the shelter would answer for or cost them federal funding. The use of the testimonials from individuals either previous or present will need to sign consent forms allowing the shelter the statements or testimonials. The shelter will need to review the testimonials and decide which ones to use and rely them to the web developer for use on the website. By getting testimonials from previous and present individuals this allows others to see the progress of the shelter where they started and the many changes they have made for the good of the shelter and individuals who use the shelter. The web developer or consultant research all laws, regulations, APA Ethics Codes, and any other governing bodies that have a legal say regarding the shelter and have it reviewed by someone who has more knowledge of such a project.
Conclusion
The new technologies that are emerging in today’s world provide information to the healthcare industries and their providers immediately, however, it is their responsibilities to understand and have the knowledge to properly use them. This makes the use of the Internet a useful tool to convey their business including the shelter’s testimonials, but the risks can be high if not monitored for integrity and ethical conduct. By following the APA Ethics Codes and Standards this will ensure no violations are committed. Overall the shelter is providing a good service to individuals, but doing the research up front to do it the right way will ensure their success.
