Code of Ethics

Beneficence

OT personnel shall demonstrate a concern for the well-being and safety of persons

Nonmaleficence

OT personnel shall refrain from actions that cause harm

Fidelity

OT personnel shall treat clients, colleagues, and other professionals with respect, fairness, discretion, and integrity

Justice 

OT Personnel shall promote equity, inclusion, and objectivity in the provision of OT services

Autonomy

OT Personnel shall respect the right of the person to self-determination, privacy, confidentiality,, and consent

Veracity

OT personnel shall provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information when presenting the profession

Beneficence

• providing competent, up-to-dat services 

• practice within scope and level of competence 

Nalmaleficence

• do not practice under the influence of substances that impair performance 

• avoid actions that cause harm to the client

Autonomy

• obtain informed consent for all services

• Ensure clients understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of intervention

• Respect a client’s decision to refuse or terminate services, even if the therapist disagrees

Justice

• ensure fair access to occupational therapy services 

• Advocate for practice settings that allow for equitable care 

• Do not exploit the trust placed in the practitioners by the client or community

Veracity

• accurate and timely documentation and billing 

• represent qualifications, credentials, and competence accurately 

• Do not knowingly make false statements when communicating professionally 

Fidelity

• maintain relationships free from conflict of interest 

• abstain from using professional relationships for personal gain 

• Maintain professional boundaries 

Altruism

indicates demonstration of unselfish concern for the welfare of others

• reflect in actions and attitudes of commitment, caring, dedication, responsiveness, and understanding 

• Ex OT stays late w/o pay to help client

Equality

Indicates that all persons have fundamental human rights and the right to same opportunities

•  OT’s demonstrate by maintaining an attitude of fairness and impartiality and treating all persons in a way that is free of bias.

• EX: treating a client with different political views the same as a client who has the same views

Freedom

Indicates valuing each person’s right to exercise autonomy and demonstrate independence, initiative, and self-direction.

• OT’s value the service recipient’s right and desire to guide interventions.

• EX: suggest evidence based treatments but let CLIENT choose which method they prefer even if you disagree

Justice

Indicates that OT’s provide services for all persons in need of these services and maintain a goal-directed and objective relationship with recipients of service.

• EX: Local clinic is unaccessible so you advocate for ramp to improve participation for all

Dignity

Indicates the importance of valuing, promoting, and preserving the inherent worth and uniqueness of each person

• Respecting the person’s social and cultural heritage and life experiences.

• EX: OT includes clients unique culture into treatment

Truth

Indicates that OT’s in all situations should be faithful to facts and reality.

• OT’s have an obligations to be truthful with themselves, recipients of service, and colleagues, and society.

Includes:

• Maintaining and upgrading professional competence

• Being truthful in oral, written, and electronic communications.

• EX: Telling the truth to clients even if its hard

Prudence 

Indicates the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason.

• Value judiciousness, discretion, vigilance, moderation, care, and circumspection in the management of one’s own affairs and to temper extremes, make judgements, and respond on the basis of intelligent reflection and rational thought.

• EX: Before giving out adaptive/innovative equipment you choose the most thoughtful client centered approach

veracity

when entering into a therapeutic or research relationship, the service or research participant has a right to accurate information

Veracity

transmission of information must include means to ensure that the recipient or participant understands the information provided

Autonomy

persons have the right to make a determination regarding care decisions that directly affect their lives

nonmaleficence

an occupational therapy intervention might require the service recipient to invest a great deal of time and perhaps even discomfort; however, the time and discomfort are justified by potential long-term, evidence-based benefits of the treatment.

Beneficence

protecting and defending the rights of others, preventing harm from occurring to others, removing conditions that will cause harm to others, offering services that benefit persons with disabilities, and acting to protect and remove persons from dangerous situations

Justice

occupational therapy personnel work to create and uphold a society in which all persons have equitable opportunity for full inclusion in meaningful occupational engagement as an essential component of their lives.

Fidelity 

ccupational therapy personnel should consistently balance their duties to service recipients, students, research participants, and other professionals, as well as to organizations that may influence decision making and professional practice