GROUP LAB: CODE OF ETHICS

DIRECTIONS

1. Review the AOTA Code of Ethics in text

2. Read each scenario below one at a time and answer the questions before moving on to the next scenario. There are five scenarios. All group members must complete and then mutually agree upon the answer and the rationale to support the answer.

a) What principle in the Code of Ethics does the scenario represent?

b) State the rationale for your answer in 3 or less sentences.

3. Bring in one hard copy of your report, post responses on Blackboard Discussion Board under the thread Code of Ethics lab by Sunday 11:59 PM

Scenario I

Therapist A has accepted a new job in a school system that occasionally uses Sensory Integration (SI) as a technique of treatment. Therapist A's only exposure to SI had been in school several years earlier. He informs his supervisor of his plans to take an SI workshop and until then, requests guidance in any SI treatment programs for the students to whom he is assigned.

Scenario II

Therapist B, who is opening a private practice, makes certain that the advertising circulars promoting the center do not make any exaggerated claims about the center's ability to "cure" or make promises of a "new life that therapy will bring".

Scenario III

Therapist C has moved to a new state. Before moving she requests a copy of the licensure law and notes the limits that the new state places on the use of treatment modalities. After employment, she reads the employers policies and procedure's guide regarding facility records, and acquaints herself with the department's style of record keeping. The facility uses a specific style for documenting treatment. Although not familiar with the style of charting, therapist C refreshes her understanding with the format and implements it in her documentation.

Scenario IV

When serving as a consultant to a residence facility for individuals who have severe mental retardation, therapist D becomes aware that another therapist is submitting charges to the home for one-half hour individual treatments. In reality, the therapist is only passing through the unit and briefly talking with the clients; no treatments are given. After observing the pattern for several weeks, therapist D speaks with the therapist who then brushed off the inquiry, "look we all have plans on file, but these kids aren't going to progress no matter what we do." Therapist D brings the matter to the attention of administrator.

Scenario V

An OT student has just completed her thesis for her Master's Degree. Her faculty advisor wants to present the results at the national conference. The faculty advisor asks the student for permission to submit a conference proposal that discusses the results of the student's thesis with the understanding that he will be listed as the principal author. The student is also encouraged to present the paper with the faculty advisor, if accepted.