Psychologists' and physical interventions: Ethics, standards, and legal implications.

Reviews the American Psychological Association's (1981) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and its (1980) Specialty Guidelines for the Delivery of Services by Clinical Psychologists, highlighting the special concerns the documents raise for professionals using physical interventions (PIs). The legal and regulatory frameworks for the practice of psychology are reviewed with significant emphasis on professional negligence. The steps that a conscientious and cautious practitioner should take when using PIs are analyzed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)