Ethics Flashcards
Ethics commission
Ethics Commission (EC) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) established in 1975
- EC is charged with development, review of Code of Ethics and provide procedure for enforcement.
- OT Code of Ethics – first version in 1977 – revisions in ‘79, ’88, ‘94, ‘00, 05, 10, 15
- Reviewed for potential revision every 5 years at minimum
Ethics
1: the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
2 a: a set of moral principles: a theory or system of moral values, b: the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group, c: a guiding philosophy
•Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 2006
- A systematic study of morality (i.e., rules of conduct that are grounded in philosophical principles and theories)
•AOTA, 2005
Core Values and Attitudes of Occupational Therapy (AOTA,1993)
- Basis for OT Code of Ethics
- Altruism
- Equality
- Freedom
- Justice
- Dignity
- Truth
- Prudence
Seven Principles of Ethical Behavior
- Beneficence
- Nonmaleficence
- Autonomy, Confidentiality
- Social Justice
- Procedural Justice
- Veracity
- Fidelity
Principle 1: Beneficence (AOTA, 2015)
•**Concern for the safety and well-being of the recipients of services***
- Provide OT services in timely manner – answering referral
- Appropriate eval and POC
- Re-eval in timely manner
- Avoid use of outdated /obsolete tests & materials
- Provide services within competency level
- Use of evidence based practice
- Emerging areas of practice - ?no evidence available
- Termination of services
- Referral to other services
- Report any acts that appear unethical
Principle 2: Non-maleficence (AOTA, 2015)
•**Do no harm*
- Not exploiting client or property
- Maintain professional relationship
- Avoid activities that causes one to lose objectivity
- Identify and address any personal problems that may adversely impact professional judgment
- Bring concerns regarding impairment of professional skills of a colleague to the attention of the appropriate authority
- Avoid client abandonment
- Research – balance of benefit versus risk
Principle 3: Autonomy, Confidentiality
AOTA, 2015
•**Respect the right of the individual to self-determination
- Collaborative goal setting & communication
- Obtain consent prior to providing services – keep client informed of progress
- Informed consent - research
- Right to refuse services
- Protect confidential information
- Meaningful communication/comprehension – client’s ability to communicate – receive/understand information
Principle 4: Social Justice (AOTA, 2015)
•*Provide services in a fair and equitable manner
- Responsibility to help unsure the common good
- Individuals & groups should receive impartial share of benefits
- Advocate for clients to receive appropriate services
- When providing services understand how individual differences can affect service delivery (culture, gender, sexual preference …)
- Pro bono (“for the good”) services
Principle 5: Procedural Justice (AOTA, 2015)
•Follow laws and AOTA documents/policies
- Understand state and federal laws, AOTA policies, institution policies
- Ensure that employers are aware of occupational therapy’s ethical obligations
- Accurate & timely documentation
Principle 6: Veracity (AOTA, 2015)
•Provide comprehensive, accurate, & objective information when representing the profession
- Truthfulness
- Represent credentials accurately with clients and other professionals
- Disclose potential conflict of interest
- Refrain from false, fraudulent or deceptive statements or claims
- Identify and disclose errors that compromise safety
- Accept responsibility for professional actions
- Do not plagiarize the work of others
Principle 7: Fidelity (AOTA, 2015)
•Treat colleagues & other professionals with respect, fairness, integrity
- Respect confidentiality
- Accurately represent their qualifications
- Discourage/prevent/expose/correct unethical behavior
- Avoid conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment
- Use conflict resolution to resolve issues
- Know how to handle ethical conflicts
Ethical Decision Making
•Am I facing an ethical dilemma?
Does it involve a violation of the AOTA Code of Ethics and Ethics Standards?
•Examine the situation
•What are the relevant facts, values and beliefs involved?
•Who is involved?
•State the dilemma clearly – e.g. “Is it permissible /impermissible, or obligatory to ______________”
•What courses of action could be taken & what conflicts could arise from each action?
•Evaluate – Self interests, Social roles, Code & Ethics Standards, Ethical Principles
Enforcement of AOTA Code of Ethics
AOTA, 2015
- Institutional Ethics Committee
- AOTA Ethics Commission www.aota.org
- State OT Practice Board
- www.mdotboard.org
