General
The shortened name often used to refer to the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics
The Code
The community therapist is working with client who consistently yells at the therapist. The therapist plans a coffee making activity (the clients' favorite drink) and has a conversation with the client about his emotional state. Which Core Value is illustrated in this example?
Altruism
A client is scheduled for a discharge meeting. The social worker suggests holding the meeting without them, since they are still in bed and cannot come to the conference room. The OT offers to get the client up so they can attend the meeting and weigh-in the discharge decisions that will be made.
Autonomy
Demonstrate a level of cultural humility, sensitivity, and agility within professional practice that promotes inclusivity and does not result in harmful actions or inactions with persons, groups, organizations, and populations from diverse backgrounds
#7 Professional Civility
the ability to discern morally salient features of situations and deliberate about the best action
providing aspirational Core Values that guide OTPs & delineating ethical principles and enforceable Standards of Conduct that apply to AOTA members.
the purpose of the OT Code of Ethics
A therapist working in a community based program adjusts the fee charged based on the clients income level. A client is upset they are charged more than their neighbor. Which Core Value is in play in this situation?
Justice
When entering into a therapeutic or research relationship, the service recipient or research participant has a right to accurate information. In addition, transmission of information must include means to ensure that the recipient or participant understands the information provided. What principle is illustrated here?
Veracity
Establish a collaborative relationship with recipients of service and relevant stakeholders to promote shared decision making
2. Therapeutic Relationships
The care team is discussing whether or not a client with a severe swallowing impairment due to ALS can eat? Since there is factual and diagnostic information available to answer this, it is what type of question
Clinical
altruism, equality, freedom, justice, dignity, truth & prudence are collectively know as
AOTA Core Values
A therapist is working with patient in a rehabilitation facility who can only safely get up/down from the toilet using a raised toilet seat. The patient refuses to use a raised toilet seat at home. The therapist orders a raised toilet seat for home. Which Core Value is in play in this example?
Freedom
A client requests an ultrasound treatment because it "makes their arm feel better" however their fractured proximal humerus is still healing, and ultrasound is contraindicated as it may disrupt bone repair. What principle applies in this situation?
Nonmaleficence
Record and report in an accurate and timely manner and in accordance with applicable regulations all information related to professional or academic documentation and activities.
3. Documentation, Reimbursement, and Financial Matters
"Should a client with end-stage ALS who fails a swallowing test be allowed to eat?" is an example of this type of question
Ethical
Maps out a moral compass for the profession
The code
A therapist is working with a client with long- standing upper extremity weakness work on self- feeding. They have been strengthening for months and there hasn't been any increase in strength for weeks. Insurance has given the therapist approval for only 4 more sessions. What Core Value may be in play in this situation?
Prudence.
An OTP offers reduced rates for clients with low incomes. What principle is illustrated here?
Justice
Demonstrate responsible conduct, respect, and discretion when engaging in digital media and social networking, including but not limited to refraining from posting protected health or other identifying information.
6. Communication
"Do competent clients have the right to refuse medical treatment?" is an example of this type of question
Legal
This document outlines the process of addressing ethics violations by AOTA members.
The Code's Enforcement Procedures
A therapist working in a hand clinic notices a swastika tattoo on the patient's forearm. The therapist immediately discharges the patient from therapy. Which Core Value may have been violated in this scenario?
Equality
Your client is at risk for falls. At the conclusion of the OT session, the therapist applies the client's personal alarm and makes sure their call light is within reach? What principle is the OT applying to this situation?
Beneficence
Going to conferences and taking continuing education courses
#5 - Professional Competence, Education, Supervision, and Training.
an ethical problem that occurs when practitioners know the right thing to do but cannot achieve it because of external barriers or uncertainty about the outcome.
Moral distress (WS p. 455)