Professional standards

Professional standards are specifications as to the minimum level of performance acceptable for professional personnel in the conduct of their professional duties. Failure to maintain these standards may lead to professional liability claims.

Factors helping to maintain standards

 * Peer evaluation
 * Clear statements of professional ethics
 * Membership of professional organisations
 * Professional supervision
 * Clear treatment guidelines

Reasons for standards not being maintained
Quality of service can be compromised for many reasons these would include :
 * Burnout
 * Compassion fatigue
 * Professional client sexual relations
 * Professional competence is compromised perhaps by health problems or difficulties with drugs and alcohol See: Impaired professionals

Professional standards in clinical psychology

 * Personal therapy