• challenge your colleague to consider the Ethical decision model byMary Alice Fisher, Ph.D., 2005; 2015, and explain why the model is a good or better choice.
  • Provide at least one example as to why you are making the suggestion.

Peer Reply: I chose to compare the ETHICS Model and A Model of Ethical Decision Making From a Multicultural Perspective. The Multicultural Ethics Model focuses on making decisions from a multicultural point of view, which is the most significant difference between the two. The ETHICS model doesn't ask about who has power in the relationship between professionals and clients. It also doesn't talk about cultural or racial implications. The Multicultural Ethics model asks a question that I didn't see in the ETHICS model: what role does the client play in making decisions? Including the client in this thought could be very helpful and be a better way to work together. Another difference between the two models is that the last step of the Multicultural Ethics model is to evaluate the choice, while the last step of the ETHICS model is to choose a course of action. This difference seems important, because evaluating the decision as the last step could lead someone to think they made the wrong choice and feel like they need to start over. There is a chance of going around in circles. The ETHICS model says that it is logical and straightforward, which is true. It takes you step by step, with each step making sense and leading to the next in a way that seems natural.

Ethical Decision-Making Model*

Mary Alice Fisher, Ph.D., 2005; 2015

The Center for Ethical Practice

I. ASSESS

A. Identify the problem and determine whether the matter is an ethical one. Use your Ethics Code and other professional guidelines to identify the specific ethical issues. Name them.

B. If this involves a clinical issue, describe and clarify the relevant clinical components.

C. Consider whether there are any legal requirements, contractual obligations or agency considerations that might influence your decision or limit your options.

D. Consider, as clearly as possible, any relevant personal values (or other personal factors) that might affect your objectivity, introduce bias, or otherwise influence your decision.

E. Evaluate the rights, vulnerabilities, and responsibilities of all parties involved. Determine your relationship (if any) and obligations (if any) to each of these parties.

F. Obtain consultation. Consult with a trusted colleague or supervisor about the ethical, legal and personal issues involved. If needed, obtain a formal consultation with an ethics consultant or with the ethics office of your professional association. If necessary obtain legal consultation and/or medical consultation.

G. Consider whether members of your team or practice group should be engaging in this decision-making process with you. If so, begin discussing the issue collaboratively.

II. PLAN

A. Generate a list of possible decisions/solutions. (At this stage, do not censor; consider all possible courses of action, no matter how wild/crazy/inappropriate they seem.)

B. Using this list, eliminate any options that are clearly unethical, illegal, or clinically inappropriate, using the assessment above as a guide.

C. Enumerate, consider, and weigh the consequences of each of the remaining options.

III. IMPLEMENT

A. Make a decision. Decide how to best act on (carry out) your decision..

B. Carry out the decision you have made.

IV. EVALUATE

A. Document your decision-making process and your actions.

B. Evaluate the process, your decision, and its outcome.