Paper Summary:

This paper explains that an extremely delicate process entailing ethical considerations is required for an individual client with a multitude of chronic comorbid and psychological complaints to ensure the best quality of care and clear communication. The writer explains that importance is placed on informed consent as well as processes of confidentiality breaks, barriers to treatment, and maintaining competence via adequate professional education in areas served. Next, the author investigates frequently cited ethical practices and issues when working with diverse populations served within the behavioral medicine arena. The paper reviews ethical decision-making and the American Psychological Association aspirational principles, especially in the area of avoiding harm and confidentiality.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Assessments
Treatment Plans/ Goal Setting
Pain Management
JCAHO Regulations and Patient Rights
Disability/ Limited Mobility
Accessibility to Health Services
End of Life Issues
Diverse Populations Served Within the Behavioral Medicine Arena: Frequently Cited Ethical Practice and Issues
Childhood, Adolescence, and Family
Gender and Sexuality
Geriatric Populations
Individuals with Disabilities
Racial, Ethnic, Cultural, and Linguistic Diversity
Ethical Decision-Making and the American Psychological Association
Aspirational Principles
Avoiding Harm
Confidentiality
Informed Consent and HIPAA Privacy Rules
Multiple Relationships and Conflicts of Interest
Summary

From the Paper:

"The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine's Standards and Ethics Committee (2008) suggests that a provisional confidentiality break frequently occurs while attempting to provide the best quality, delivery, and standard of care to clients in the behavioral medicine arena- through the exchange of pertinent information between colleagues involved in the client's care. For example, there are situations in which physicians confer with other staff (i.e. at a staff station in the emergency room) for which space is limited and confidentiality breaks may be unavoidable."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Asch, A., & Wasserman, D. (2005). Bioethics. Encyclopedia of Disability [Electronic Version]. Sage Publications, Inc. http://www.sage-ereference.com/disability/Article_n91.html
• American Counseling Association. (2005). American Counseling Association code of ethics and standards of practice, effective 2005 [Electronic Version]. http://www.counseling.org/resources/CodeofEthics/TP/Home/CT2.aspx
• American Psychological Association. (1993). Guidelines for providers of psychological services to ethnic, linguistic, and culturally diverse populations. American Psychologist, 48, 45- 48.
• American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and codes of conduct [Electronic Version]. http://ww.apa.org/ethics/code2002.html
• American Psychological Association. (2004). Guidelines for psychological practice with older adults. American Psychologist, 59, 236-260.

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