Adopted by the
California Association of Psychiatric Technicians
on
September 18, 1996

Introduction

The Psychiatric Technician Code of Ethics informs Psychiatric Technicians and society of the profession's expectations and requirements in ethical matters. Accompanying the Code are Interpretive Statements that expand on each item of the Code. Together they provide a framework for Psychiatric Technicians to make ethical decisions and discharge responsibilities to clients/patients, the public, other members of the interdisciplinary health team and the profession.

The Code is based on beliefs about the nature of individuals, psychiatric nursing, mental and developmental health, safety and society. Consumers and suppliers of psychiatric nursing services are viewed as individuals and groups possessing basic rights and responsibilities, and whose values and circumstances should be respected.

Psychiatric nursing and psychiatric technology encompass the promotion and restoration of developmental habilitation, mental and physical health; the prevention of illness; and the alleviation of suffering. The Code and its Interpretive Statements provide guidance for conduct and relationships in carrying out psychiatric nursing responsibilities consistent with the ethical obligations of the profession and quality in nursing care.

Development and maintenance of a Code of Ethics is an essential characteristic of a profession and provides one means for the exercise of professional self-regulation. A Code indicates a profession's acceptance of the responsibility and trust with which it has been invested by society. Requirements of the Code may often exceed, but are never less than those of the law. Each Psychiatric Technician has a personal obligation to uphold and adhere to the Code and to ensure that colleagues do the same.

The Code was originally drafted by members of Psychiatric Technician Professional Practice Groups in various California state hospitals and developmental centers. The Code was adopted by -- and is maintained by -- the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians, the professional association for California's Psychiatric Technicians.

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Psychiatric Technician
Code of Ethics

1. The Psychiatric Technician provides care with respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the client/patient, regardless of the individual's social or economic status, personal attributes or the nature or degree of the disability.

2. The Psychiatric Technician acts to safeguard the client's right to privacy and dignity.

3. The Psychiatric Technician acts to protect clients/patients and the public from the incompetent, unethical or illegal practice of any person.

4. The Psychiatric Technician assumes responsibility and accountability for individual nursing judgments and actions, and for the quality and extent of services performed.

5. The Psychiatric Technician maintains professional competency through continuing education.

6. The Psychiatric Technician respects the findings, views and actions of other disciplines, and uses appropriate channels to express judgment of these matters.

7. The Psychiatric Technician participates in activities that contribute to the ongoing development of the profession.

8. The Psychiatric Technician participates in the profession's efforts to implement and improve the profession's Standards of Practice.

9. The Psychiatric Technician participates in the profession's efforts to establish and maintain conditions of employment conducive to quality psychiatric nursing care.

10. The Psychiatric Technician participates in the profession's effort to protect the public from misinformation and misrepresentation and to maintain the integrity of psychiatric nursing care.

11. The Psychiatric Technician collaborates with members of the health professions and other citizens in promoting community and national efforts to meet the mental health needs of the public.

12. The Psychiatric Technician maintains readiness to provide appropriate professional services in public emergencies.