Overview
This lecture outlines the ASHA Code of Ethics, detailing its foundational principles, obligations, and rules for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and related professionals.
Preamble and Applicability
- The Code of Ethics is ASHA's framework for professional standards, duty, accountability, fairness, and responsibility.
- It applies to members, certificate holders, applicants, and nonmembers with certification.
- The Code guides decision-making and helps resolve ethical dilemmas.
Principle of Ethics I: Welfare of Persons Served
- Professionals must provide competent services and use appropriate resources, including referrals and collaborations.
- Discrimination on any personal characteristic is prohibited.
- Credentials of all involved in service delivery must be accurately represented to clients.
- Delegation is allowed only with appropriate preparation, supervision, and within proper scope of practice.
- Informed consent is required for services, research, and teaching; participation must be voluntary.
- Confidentiality and proper records management are mandatory.
- Personal issues should not impair professional ability; impaired professionals must seek help and may need to limit practice.
- Reports must be made if colleagues cannot provide safe, competent care.
- Continuity of care must be ensured if services are discontinued.
Principle of Ethics II: Professional Competence
- Services must only be provided within one's scope and competence.
- Certification is required for clinical service provision, though those in the application process may practice under regulations.
- Lifelong learning and competence enhancement are expected.
- Technology must be used and maintained according to professional guidelines.
Principle of Ethics III: Public Responsibility
- Credentials, competence, and services must not be misrepresented.
- Conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed.
- Fraud, false statements, and misrepresentation of results or billing are forbidden.
- Public statements and advertising must be accurate and honest.
Principle of Ethics IV: Professional Relationships
- Professionals must collaborate respectfully and exercise independent judgment.
- Misrepresentation, dishonesty, harassment, and abuse of power are prohibited.
- Proper supervision and honest credit assignment in collaborative work are required.
- Plagiarism is not tolerated.
- Discrimination and unethical conduct must be reported appropriately.
- Compliance with all applicable laws is required.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Informed consent — Agreement to participate after adequate information about risks and outcomes is provided.
- Misrepresentation — Any false or misleading assertion.
- Negligence — Failure to exercise reasonable care as would be expected of a prudent person.
- Self-report — Professional's obligation to disclose relevant legal or professional actions to ASHA.
- Telepractice — Delivery of services via telecommunications, equivalent in quality to in-person services.
- Shall/May — "Shall" means required; "may" allows discretion.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and familiarize yourself with the ASHA Code of Ethics full text.
- Reflect on how these principles apply in real-life scenarios.
- Prepare for discussion or case studies on ethical dilemmas in practice.