Ethics

Question 1

What core ethics documents should OT students know?

Answer 1

AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2020)

Enforcement Procedures for the AOTA Code of Ethics (2021)

NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct (2022)

NBCOT Enforcement Procedures (2020)

Question 2

Who oversees occupational therapy ethics and practice?

Answer 2

AOTA

State licensure boards

NBCOT
A complaint may be filed with more than one at the same time.

Question 2

Who does AOTA have jurisdiction over?

Answer 2

OTs, OTAs, and students who are or were AOTA members at the time of misconduct.

Question 3

What authority do state licensure boards have?

Answer 3

Legal jurisdiction over practitioners licensed in that state; procedures vary by state.

Question 4

Who does NBCOT have jurisdiction over?

Answer 4

Individuals who are:

Certified (OTR/COTA)

Applying for certification

Applying for OTD Early Determination

Under Early Determination review

Question 5

Why was the AOTA Code of Ethics developed?

Answer 5

Address common ethical issues in OT

Guide practitioners across settings

Inform employers, consumers, and students

Question 6

What are the OT profession’s core values?

Answer 6

Altruism – Unselfish concern for others

Equality – Free of bias

Freedom – Respecting client choice

Justice – Moral/legal fairness

Dignity – Respect inherent worth

Truth – Faithful to facts

Prudence – Thoughtful, reflective judgment

Question 7

What does the Code of Ethics do?

Answer 7

Provides aspirational values

Defines enforceable standards of conduct

Educates the public and profession

Guides recognition and resolution of ethical issues

Question 8

principle: What is Beneficence?

Answer 8

Acting to promote well-being and safety of others.

Question 9

principle: What is Nonmaleficence?

Answer 9

Do no harm; avoid actions that could cause injury.

Question 12

principle: What is Autonomy?

Answer 12

Respecting self-determination, privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent.

Question 13

principle: What is Justice?

Answer 13

Promoting equity, inclusion, and objectivity in service delivery.

Question 14

What should be done first if an ethical issue arises?

Answer 14

Attempt to remediate at the facility or setting before filing a formal complaint.

Question 15

principle: What is Veracity?

Answer 15

Providing truthful, accurate, and objective information (no falsifying or plagiarism).

Question 16

What does the AOTA Ethics Commission do?

Answer 16

Educates members

Enforces the Code of Ethics

Publishes advisory opinions

Question 17

principle: What is Fidelity?

Answer 17

Treating others with respect, fairness, discretion, and integrity.

Question 18

Who can file an ethics complaint with AOTA?

Answer 18

Anyone, inside or outside AOTA, using the official complaint form.

Question 19

What sanctions can AOTA impose?

Answer 19

Reprimand – Private letter

Censure – Public notice

Probation – Conditional membership

Suspension – Temporary loss of membership

Revocation – Permanent loss of membership

Question 20

What does the NBCOT Code of Conduct govern?

Answer 20

Personal and professional conduct of current and future certificants.

Question 21

How are NBCOT violations handled?

Answer 21

Complaint submitted online

Staff review for investigation

QCRC reviews findings

Sanctions imposed if violation confirmed

Question 22

What sanctions can NBCOT impose?

Answer 22

Ineligibility for certification

Reprimand

Censure

Probation

Suspension

Revocation of certification

Question 23

What is the role of state regulatory boards?

Answer 23

Protect the public, oversee legal and ethical practice, and investigate complaints.

Question 24

What sanctions can states impose?

Answer 24

Supervision requirements Continuing education Fines Record review License suspension or revocation

Question 25

What is an ethical situation?

Answer 25

Simple to resolve; clear right action.

Question 26

What defines an ethical problem?

Answer 26

Situations involving serious moral conflict and difficult choices.

Question 27

What are the three types of ethical problems?

Answer 27

Ethical temptation – Wanting to do wrong despite knowing right Moral distress – Knowing right action but blocked by system Ethical dilemma – Two or more conflicting right choices

Question 28

approach 1: Key steps in Slater’s ethical decision model?

Answer 28

Identify problem type Identify ethical/legal issues Gather facts Identify stakeholders Generate solutions Use resources Choose action Reflect on outcome

Question 29

approach 2: Key steps in Doherty’s ethical decision model?

Answer 29

Define ethical question Gather data Analyze using ethics theory Weigh options Act ethically Reflect on results

Question 30

What is the principle-based approach?

Answer 30

Uses duties, rights, and rules (e.g., AOTA Code of Ethics).

Question 31

What is virtue-based ethics?

Answer 31

Focuses on character and moral goodness, not obligation.

Question 32

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 32

Actions should maximize good outcomes (ends justify means).

Question 33

What is deontology?

Answer 33

Rules and duties override consequences.