Code of ethics
What are the two purposes of the code of ethics?
1- Provides aspirational core values that guide OT personnel toward ethical courses of action in professional and volunteer roles
2- Delineates ethical principles and enforceable standards of conduct that apply to AOTA members.
Indicates demonstration of unselfish concern for the welfare of others. OT'S reflect this in actions and attitudes of commitment, caring, dedication, responsiveness, and understanding.
Altruism.
Indicates that OTs should be faithful to facts and reality. Truthfulness, or veracity, is demonstrated by being accountable, honest, forthright, accurate, and authentic in actions and attitudes.
*OTS have obligation to be truthful too themselves, recipients of therapy, colleagues, and society.
Truth
Occupational therapy personnel shall demonstrate a concern for the well-being and safety of the recipients of their services.
Beneficence.
Occupational therapy personnel shall treat colleagues and other professionals with respect, fairness, discretion, and integrity.
Fidelity.
What are personal ethics?
• Determines what an individual believes about morality and right and wrong.
• Personal ethics affect all areas of life, including family, finances, professional & relationships
• Personal convictions and values form the most effective basis for moral and ethical behavior
Indicates that all persons have fundamental human rights and the right to the same opportunities. OT'S demonstrate this by maintaining an attitude of fairness and impartiality and treating all persons in a way that is free of bias.
Equality.
Indicates the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason.
Prudence.
Occupational therapy personnel shall intentionally refrain from actions that cause harm.
Nonmaleficence.
How many sections of standards of conduct are there?
7.
What are professional ethics
• A set of moral principles and standards of conduct, supporting the moral prestige of professional groups in society.
• A set of rules and principles intended to express the particular values of the profession
• They identify moral standards and assessments, judgments and concepts, characterizing people as representatives of a particular profession.
• Professional ethics develop norms and standards for the profession
• Professional should expect to find guidance and direction from professional code of ethics
Indicates valuing each persons right to exercise autonomy and demonstrate independence, initiative, and self-direction. OT's value the service recipients right and desire to guide intervention.
Freedom.
What are the virtues of OT?
• Benevolence
• Competence
• Objectivity
• Caring
• Compassion
• Honesty
Occupational therapy personnel shall respect the right of the individual to self-determination, privacy, confidentiality, and consent
Autonomy.
Who enforces the standards of conduct?
AOTA Ethics Commission.
What are some of the most common unethical issues?
• Improper supervision of staff
• Providing services for those who are not medically needy
• Billing for active treatment when treatment hasn’t been provided
• Providing services therapist feels incompetent to provide
• Confidentiality and disclosure
• Personal and professional boundaries
*Indicates that OT's provide services for all persons in need of these services and maintain a goal-directed and objective relationship w recipients of service. *Places value on upholding moral and legal principles and on having knowledge of and respect for the legal rights of recipients of service.
Justice.
What are some ethical resources and Jurisdiction?
• Ethics Committees
• Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
• Regulatory Agencies
AOTA NBCOT State Boards
• Code of Ethics
• AOTA’s Ethics Standards
• AOTA’s Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics
Occupational therapy personnel shall promote fairness and objectivity in the provision of occupational therapy services.
Justice.
What are the first 4 sections of standards of conduct?
1-Professional integrity, responsibility, and accountability.
2- Therapeutic relationships
3- Documentation, reimbursement, and financial matters.
4- Service delivery
AOTA disciplinary action.
DEFINE:
Reprimand
Censure
Suspension
Revocation
• Reprimand- a formal expression of disapproval of conduct communicated privately by letter from the Chairperson of the SEC
• Censure - a formal expression of disapproval that is public
• Suspension - removal of membership for a specified
period of time
• Revocation - permanent denial of membership
Indicates the importance of valuing, prompting, and preserving the inherent worth and uniqueness of each person. Includes respecting the persons social and cultural heritage and life experiences.
*OTS act in ways consistent w. cultural sensitivity, humility, and agility.
Dignity
What are some professional supports of ethics?
Accreditation
• Voluntary or Mandatory
• Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
• Licensure
• Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations (JCAHO)
Occupational therapy personnel shall provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information when representing the profession.
Veracity.
What are the last 3 sections of standards of conduct?
5-Professional competence, education, supervision, and training.
6-Communication
7-Professional Civility.