Ley 1090 de 2006: Psychology Regulation in Colombia
Ley 1090 of 2006 comprehensively regulates the practice of psychology in Colombia, defining it as both a science and a profession. This foundational law establishes crucial ethical principles, outlines specific professional activities, and details licensing requirements. It ensures responsible, competent service delivery, protects public well-being, and provides clear disciplinary procedures for psychologists, promoting high standards and accountability within the field.
Key Takeaways
Ley 1090 defines psychology as both a science and a profession.
Ethical principles are paramount for all psychological practice.
Mandatory licensing and professional cards ensure qualified practitioners.
The law regulates diverse psychological activities and interventions.
Disciplinary processes uphold accountability and professional standards.
What is the Definition and Scope of Psychology under Ley 1090?
Ley 1090 of 2006 precisely defines psychology as both a scientific discipline, rooted in rigorous research, and a profession applying this knowledge ethically and responsibly. It encompasses the comprehensive study of human cognitive, emotional, and social processes, considering complexities of development across various life stages and diverse contexts. This broad scope ensures psychology's vital relevance and applicability across numerous societal areas, including education, health, work, and justice, ultimately aiming to significantly improve individual and collective well-being through evidence-based practice.
- Psychology is defined as a science based on research and a profession applying knowledge ethically.
- Focuses on comprehensive study of cognitive, emotional, and social processes in humans.
- Applies across education, health, work, justice, and environmental protection.
What Fundamental Principles Govern Psychological Practice in Colombia?
Psychological practice in Colombia operates under a robust framework of fundamental principles, meticulously outlined in Ley 1090, ensuring ethical and responsible conduct. Psychologists bear significant responsibility for their actions, diligently maintaining high competence standards and practicing exclusively within their recognized areas of expertise, continuously updating knowledge. Adherence to stringent moral and legal norms, including paramount confidentiality with specific exceptions, and consistently prioritizing client well-being, forms the bedrock of professional integrity. Transparent public announcements and respectful, collaborative professional relationships further uphold these essential standards.
- Psychologists are responsible for their actions and ensure correct service use, acknowledging competence limits.
- High competence standards require continuous knowledge updates and practice within expertise.
- Adherence to ethical and legal norms, maintaining confidentiality and client well-being.
- Public announcements must be accurate, objective, and clearly state qualifications.
- Maintaining client confidentiality is paramount, with exceptions for imminent harm or legal mandates.
- Prioritizing client welfare involves managing conflicts of interest and ensuring informed consent.
- Professional relationships demand respectful collaboration with colleagues and other disciplines.
- Evaluation techniques must be validated and ethical, respecting client rights and proper test use.
- Research involving human participants adheres to ethical guidelines, prioritizing dignity and well-being.
- Animal care in research ensures ethical treatment, minimizing harm and distress.
What Specific Professional Activities Does Ley 1090 Regulate?
Ley 1090 specifically regulates a wide array of professional activities undertaken by psychologists, ensuring ethical and competent execution across all domains of practice. This includes establishing comprehensive guidelines for research design, ethical conduct, and responsible use of human participants and animals. The law also meticulously covers assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions provided in various settings. Furthermore, it addresses the crucial roles of psychologists in academic settings, including education and training of future professionals, alongside advisory capacities in policy formulation. It also governs expert reports and testimony in legal contexts, emphasizing integrity.
- Research guidelines cover design, ethical conduct, and use of human participants and animals.
- Diagnosis and intervention encompass assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic applications in diverse settings.
- Education and training roles involve academic contributions and professional development of future psychologists.
- Consultation and advisory roles include providing expert advice for policy and program development.
- Expert reports and testimony involve providing professional opinions in legal and other contexts.
What are the Licensing and Legal Aspects for Psychologists in Colombia?
Licensing and legal aspects for psychologists in Colombia are rigorously defined by Ley 1090 to ensure qualified and authorized practice, safeguarding public trust and professional standards. Obtaining a professional card from the Colombian Association of Psychologists is a mandatory prerequisite for practice, contingent upon meeting specific educational qualifications and demonstrating professional readiness. The law explicitly addresses and outlines penalties for the unauthorized or illegal practice of psychology, thereby protecting the public from unqualified individuals and maintaining the profession's integrity. These stringent regulations ensure only properly credentialed individuals provide psychological services.
- Specific educational qualifications are required for licensure as a psychologist.
- Obtaining a professional card from the Colombian Association of Psychologists is mandatory for practice.
- The law defines and addresses penalties for the unauthorized practice of psychology.
What are the Rights, Duties, and Prohibitions for Psychologists?
Ley 1090 delineates clear rights, duties, and prohibitions for psychologists, establishing a comprehensive framework for ethical and responsible practice within the profession. Psychologists possess various rights, including ethical practice, appropriate working conditions, and professional recognition for their contributions. These rights are balanced by significant duties and obligations, such as maintaining strict client confidentiality, providing accurate and transparent information, and consistently ensuring client well-being. The law explicitly prohibits specific actions, including unethical advertising, undisclosed financial arrangements, and sharing confidential information without proper authorization, ensuring professional integrity.
- Rights include ethical practice, appropriate working conditions, and professional recognition.
- Duties involve maintaining confidentiality, providing accurate information, and ensuring client well-being.
- Prohibitions cover unethical advertising, undisclosed financial arrangements, and unauthorized confidential sharing.
How are Disciplinary Processes and Enforcement Handled under Ley 1090?
Ley 1090 establishes clear and structured disciplinary processes and enforcement mechanisms to rigorously uphold ethical conduct and professional standards among psychologists in Colombia. The Colombian Association of Psychologists plays a pivotal role in overseeing these standards, acting as the primary disciplinary body. The law outlines detailed procedures for investigating ethical violations, ensuring fairness, due process, and thorough examination of complaints. It also specifies a comprehensive range of potential sanctions, which can vary from formal warnings and fines to temporary suspension or even permanent revocation of a professional license, ensuring accountability.
- Disciplinary bodies, like the Colombian Association of Psychologists, oversee ethical conduct.
- The law outlines processes for investigating ethical violations.
- Sanctions range from warnings to suspension of license, ensuring accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Ley 1090 of 2006?
Its main purpose is to comprehensively regulate the practice of psychology in Colombia, defining it as a science and profession, establishing ethical principles, and ensuring responsible, competent service delivery.
Who is responsible for overseeing ethical conduct under Ley 1090?
The Colombian Association of Psychologists plays a key role in overseeing ethical conduct, investigating violations, and enforcing professional standards and sanctions to maintain integrity.
What are key ethical principles for psychologists under this law?
Key principles include responsibility, competence, adherence to moral and legal standards, maintaining strict confidentiality, prioritizing client well-being, and ethical research practices.
