Ethics Flashcards
Beneficence
OT’s shall demonstrate a concern for the safety & well-being of their clients.
Principles of Beneficence (general) (9)
- Deliver all services in timely manner
- Use appropriate evaluation & intervention
- Do not use outdated assessment, knowledge, etc.
- Provide service within level of competence
- Use evidence-based practice as much as possible
- Terminate OT service when goals are met or ct is no longer making a measurable change or outcome
- Provide info about Code & Ethic Standards
- Report any person being unethical or illegal
- Conduct research within ethical guidelines
Nonmaleficence
OT’s shall intentionally refrain from actions that cause harm
Principles of Nonmaleficence (general) (10)
- Avoid inflicting harm or injury
- Don’t abandon clients! Ensure transfer of services when appropriate
- Don’t exploit clients!
- No sexual relationship while currently the ct’s OT
- Remedy any personal prob/limitation that may cause harm to a ct
- No drugs/alcohol
- Maintain objectivity (professional boundaries)
- Maintain Code and Ethic Standards
- Avoid compromising ct right or well-being based on arbitrary administrative directives by exercising professional judgment & critical analysis
- Cost-benefit analysis of any potential harm in research
Autonomy & Confidentiality
OT’s shall respect the right of the individual to self-determination
Principles of Autonomy & Confidentiality (general) (8)
- Collaborate with ct, family significant others in setting goals & priorities; fully disclose benefits & risks of a given intervention, who will deliver the service, & any alterations
- Obtain consent before any service delivery & keep significant person(s) updated on progress of goals
- Respect right to refuse service
- Provide accurate information
- Obtain consent before participation in studies
- Respect right to withdrawal from studies
- Ensure confidentiality & right to privacy, unless ct is in serious foreseeable imminent harm (follow rules/regs)
- Take appropriate steps to facilitate clear communication & comprehension
Social Justice
OT’s shall provide services in fair & equitable manner
Principles of Social Justice (general) (7)
- Help ensure common good
- Educate the public about OT’s benefit in promoting health & well-being & reducing impact of disease & disability
- Promote activities that benefit the health of the community
- Advocate for fair & just treatment of all clients
- Advocate for clients to obtain needed services via available means
- Provide services that reflect an understanding of how service delivery can be affected by SES, age, ethnicity, race, gender, culture, etc.
- Consider offering pro bono services
Social Procedural
OT’s shall comply with institutional rules, state, local, federal, & international laws & AOTA documents applicable to the profession of OT
Principles of Social Procedural (general) (12)
- Be familiar with Code & Ethics Standards, share them with co-workers, etc.
- Understand & abide with institutional rules - resolve any conflicts that arise with Code & Ethics Standards
- Remain update w/ Laws & AOTA policies - inform others of changes
- Be familiar with established policies & procedures for handling concerns about the Code & Ethics Standards
- Hold proper credentials when delivering OT service
- Maintain high standards of practice by participating in professional development & educational activities to improve & update knowledge & skills
- Ensure duties assumed by others match credentials
- Provide appropriate supervision
- Report all gifts & remuneration - collect fees legally
- Use funds for intended purposes
- Actively work with employers to ensure legal, regulatory, & ethical compliance
- Actively work with employers to prevent discrimination & unfair labor practices
Veracity
OT’s shall provide comprehensive, accurate, & objective information when representing the profession
Principles of Veracity (general) (9)
- Represent information accurately
- Refrain from using or participating in any form of communication that contains false info
- Record & report in an accurate & timely manner
- Ensure that documentation for reimbursement purposes is done in accordance with applicable laws, guidelines, & regulations
- Accept responsibility for any action that reduces the public’s trust in OT
- Ensure all marketing is truthful
- Describe type & duration of OT services accurately in professional contracts
- Be fair, honest, accurate, respectful, & timely in gathering & reporting information regarding employee job performance & student performance
- Give credit & recognition when using others work (no plagiary)
Fidelity
OT’s shall treat colleagues & other professionals with respect, fairness, discretion, & integrity
Principles of Fidelity (general) (8)
- Respect traditions, practices, competencies, & responsibilities of their own & others in the work enviro
- Preserve, respect, & safeguard private info
- Take adequate measures to discourage, prevent, expose, & correct any breaches of the code
- Attempt to resolve conflict in code using internal resources first
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Avoid using one’s position for gain
- Use conflict resolution
- Be diligent stewards of human, financial, & material recourses of employers, & refrain from exploiting resources for personal gain
What is ethical distress?
When an OT knows the correct action to take but an existing barrier prevents the therapist from taking this course of action
