Ethical and Legal Issues Flashcards
What are the core values of OT?
Altruism
Equality
Freedom
Justice
Dignity
Truth
Prudence
Altruism
demonstration of unselfish concern for the welfare of others
Equality
all persons have fundamental human rights and the right to the same opportunities
Freedom
valuing each person’s right to exercise autonomy and demonstrate independence, initiative, and self-direction
Justice
occupational therapy personnel provide occupational therapy services for all persons in need of these services and maintain a goal-directed and objective relationship with recipients of service
Dignity
importance of valuing, promoting, and preserving the inherent worth and uniqueness of each person
Truth
occupational therapy personnel in all situations should be faithful to facts and reality
Prudence
the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason
What are the principles of the OT Code of Ethics?
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Autonomy and confidentiality
Social justice
Procedural justice
Veracity
Fidelity
Beneficence
The duty to act in the best interests of the client. Beneficence implies action of “kindness, mercy, or charity.
Nonmaleficence
Do no harm.
To act with nonmaleficence, the therapist must have a basic knowledge of client diagnosis, needs, and appropriate treatment protocols. In addition, the therapist must provide the appropriate standard of care and take precautions not to cause needless injury or harm.
Autonomy and confidentiality
The right of individuals to be self-determining and in control of their own destiny.
Confidentiality includes respecting the client’s privacy with regard to his or her medical condition and treatment and also following state and federal privacy laws and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.
Justice
Social justice requires that healthcare providers perform services equally and fairly across all client groups—stressing access to care regardless of cultural, ethnic, or physical differences.
Procedural justice dictates that professionals have an ethical duty to comply with the rules and policies of their employers, the laws of the state or country where they are employed, and professional standards of conduct outlined by the licensing or credentialing authority.
Veracity
Therapists should be honest, truthful, and law-abiding individuals in all situations.
Fidelity
Fidelity involves treating service providers, clients, and others with respect.