Ethical Case 4.3 Malpractice

4.3 Malpractice as an Ethical Issue

Malpractice of doing the opposite of acting in good faith (Bruhn, s.a.:111). It is defined as the failure through ignorance or negligence, to render proper service, resulting in injury or loss to the client (Bruhn, s.a.:111). Professional negligence consists of departing from usual practice not exercising due care (Bruhn, s.a.:112). Any violations of confidentiality and sexual misconduct have received the greatest attention in the literature as grounds for malpractice suits (Bruhn, s.a.:112). The only violation practitioners are allowed to do is client’s confidentiality under those circumstances mandated by the ethical guidelines or by state law (Bruhn, s.a.:112). Other malpractices that practitioners could be at fault are defamation of character (Anon, 2003:40). Damaging a person’s reputation by making public statements that are both false and malicious is considered defamation of character (Anon, 2003:40). Fraud consists of deceitful practices in depriving or attempting to deprive another of his or her rights (Anon, 2003:40). Health-care practitioners might be accused of fraud

We recognise that we must not do harm to those we serve or to our research subjects (Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology, 2006:2). We are alert to personal, social, organisational, financial, or political situations or pressures that might lead to the misuse of our influence (Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology, 2006:2). d) As teachers, we recognise our primary obligation to help others acquire knowledge and skill (Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology, 2006:2). We maintain high standards of scholarship and objectivity by presenting information fully and accurately (Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology,