Legal and Ethical Issues Pertaining to Volunteering in Treatment Emergencies (From Shocking Violence II: Violent Disaster, War, and Terrorism Affecting Our Youth, P 134-141, 2003, Corinne E. Frantz and Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, eds. -- See NCJ-199446)

• NCJ Number: 199454
• Author(s): Christopher R. Barbrack
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines the legal and ethical issues related to mental health professionals entering an emergency or volunteer situation and the application of guidelines and rules, separate from regular professional practice, to the emergency or volunteer situation to reduce liability.

Abstract

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, many professionals responded to the horrific situation, offering pro bono or free services in an effort to help heal and support those who suffered significant losses and emotional trauma. However, these professionals were unaware of the liability that might arise from volunteering. In this chapter, some of the liability issues are briefly described. The prospective volunteer should consider five particular issues when providing services associated with any emergency situation: (1) the volunteer’s level of expertise or competence; (2) the possibility that the intervention may preclude the intervention of someone else more competent; (3) confidentiality; (4) abandonment; and (5) vicarious liability. The discussion is intended to provoke the mental health professional to think more critically and carefully about the problems that may arise in providing volunteer and emergency services. Mental health professionals would benefit to think critically about their own expertise and the parameters of the therapist/client relationship when entering an emergency or volunteer situation. References