Aota Code Of Ethics: 7 Principles

Front 1

Principle 1

Back 1

Occupational Therapy Personnel shall demonstrate a concern for the well-being, safety, and health of the recipients of their service


Beneficience

Front 2

Principle 2

Back 2

Occupational Therapy Personnel shall intentionally refrain from actions that cause harm


Nonmaleficience

Front 3

Principle 3

Back 3

Occupational Therapy Personnel shall respect the right of the individual to self-determination


Autonomy & Confidentiality

Front 4

Principle 4

Back 4

Occupational Therapy Personnel shall provide services in a fair and equitable manner to all


Social Justice

Front 5

Principle 5

Back 5

Occupational Therapy Personnel shall comply with institutional rules, local, state, federal and international laws and AOTA documents applicable to the profession of occupational therapy


Procedural Justice

Front 6

Principle 6

Back 6

Occupational Therapy Personnel shall provide comprehensive, accurate and objective information when representing the profession


Veracity

Front 7

Principle 7

Back 7

Occupational Therapy Personnel shall treat colleagues and other professionals with respect, fairness, discretion and integrity


Fidelity

Front 8

1. Treat other people that I work with in good faith - don't talk back and don't be suspicious
2. Avoid conflict of interest with employer - If we suspect wrongdoing, check it out before jumping to conclusions
3. Use conflict-resolution techniques if I have Interpersonal conflicts

Back 8

Principle 7 - Fidelity (Faithfulness)

Front 9

1. Understand and comply with the laws and be aware of the Code of Ethics
2. Hold appropriate credentials that enable you to practice
3. Report gifts with employer and don't receive large sums
4. Use research or grant money for its intended use
5. Ensure billing is not fraudulent and avoid working with somebody who does fraudulent activities

Back 9

Principle 5 - Procedural Justice

Front 10

1. Represent your credentials accurately - say you're an assistant to the OT, not the OT himself
2. Be honest in all documentation, incl. length of treatment (50min=1Hour ok)
3. Give colleague credit and don't plagiarize the work of others
(Book: no false advertisements or exaggerated claims; accept responsibilities that may reduce public's trust)

Back 10

Principle 6 - Veracity (Truthful/Accountable)

Front 11

1. Educating people about the value of OT
2. Advocate for the needs of clients with limited insurance coverage; consider pro-bono or reduced-fee services (Note: we cannot pay or change insurance policies)

Back 11

Principle 4 - Social Justice

Front 12

1. OTAs should respond to referral ASAP
2. Use up-to-date, evidence-based practice when performing Evals
3. Self-assess at current level of expertise; know what you are competent to provide; keep educated to maintain level of competence
4. Mandatory reporter, i.e. report child & elder abuse

Back 12

Principle 1 - Beneficence

Front 13

1. Avoid relationships that can exploit recipients of our care
2. Don't get in the way of our professional judgment and objectivity, i.e. dating clients
3. Refrain from drugs/alcohol - affects judgment
4. Conflict of interest when doing something for your own good; thinking of you before others

Back 13

Principle 2 - Nonmaleficence

Front 14

1. Recipients of our care are autonomous (freedom to decide/act) individuals who who have the right to know
2. If client refuses treatment, entice them to do something else to keep him engaged
3. Communication promotes autonomy; otherwise, client is not making a decision based on information
4. Informed consent - right to know nature of services, risk/benefits, outcomes, goals + right to refuse
5. Protect privileged communication; all info shared by client remains private unless safety compromised

Back 14

Principle 3 - Autonomy and Confidentiality