AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics

Flashcards on AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics

2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics

AOTA document addressing ethical concerns in occupational therapy practice, research, education, and policy.

Commitment of AOTA members

Promoting inclusion, participation, safety, and well-being for recipients across life stages.

Recipients of service

Persons, groups, families, organizations, communities, or populations.

Two purposes of the Code

Aspirational guidelines for ethical actions and delineation of enforceable Standards of Conduct.

Systematic process for resolving ethical issues

Analyzing dynamics, applying theories, weighing alternatives, deciding, acting, and reflecting.

Seven Core Values of occupational therapy

Altruism, Equality, Freedom, Justice, Dignity, Truth, and Prudence.

Altruism

Unselfish concern for the welfare of others, shown through commitment, caring, and understanding.

Equality

Fundamental human rights and equal opportunities, demonstrated by fairness and impartiality.

Freedom

Each person’s right to autonomy, independence, initiative, and self-direction through occupations.

Justice

Providing services for all in need, upholding moral and legal principles, and inclusion in society.

Dignity

Valuing the inherent worth and uniqueness of each person, respecting their heritage and experiences.

Truth

Faithfulness to facts and reality, being accountable, honest, and authentic.

Prudence

Governing oneself through reason, valuing judiciousness, discretion, and rational thought.

Beneficence

Concern for the well-being and safety of persons, including actions to benefit others, prevent harm, and remove harm.

Nonmaleficence

Refraining from actions that cause harm, injury, or wrongdoing to recipients of service.

Autonomy

Respecting the right of the person to self-determination, privacy, confidentiality, and consent.

Justice (Principle)

Promoting equity, inclusion, and objectivity in the provision of occupational therapy services.

Veracity

Providing comprehensive, accurate, and objective information when representing the profession.

Fidelity

Treating clients, colleagues, and other professionals with respect, fairness, discretion, and integrity.

Professional Integrity, Responsibility, and Accountability

Maintaining awareness and complying with policies, laws, and regulations relevant to occupational therapy.

Therapeutic Relationships

Developing relationships to promote occupational well-being in all persons, groups, organizations, and society.

Documentation, Reimbursement, and Financial Matters

Maintaining complete, accurate, and timely records of all client encounters.

Service Delivery

Striving to deliver quality services that are occupation based, client-centered, safe, and evidence-based.

Professional Competence, Education, Supervision, and Training

Maintaining credentials and certifications to demonstrate competent, evidence-based practice.

Communication

Upholding standards of confidentiality, informed consent, autonomy, accuracy, and record management.

Professional Civility

Conducting oneself in a civil manner during all discourse, honoring personal values while listening to diverse points of view.

Fall 2019 Ethics Commission review process

Reviewing codes of ethics of other health professions and reorganizing by areas of practice and professionalism.

Parts of the 2015 Code divided by EC members

Preamble, Core Values, Principles, Standards of Conduct, and Appendixes

Response to a referred motion from the Representative Assembly

Adding a section on Professional Civility.

The Code

Dynamic document that complements changes in delivery models, technology, and society