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CODE OF ETHICS

 Approved as amended by Executive Council EC2011-6-3 and EC2011-8-13 (August 13, 2011) 

PREAMBLE

The preservation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical principles is vital to the successful discharge of the professional responsibilities of all speech‐language pathologists and audiologists. This Code of Ethics sets forth the fundamental principles and rules considered essential to this purpose. Any action that violates the spirit and purpose of this code shall be considered unethical. Failure to specify any particular responsibility or practice in this Code of Ethics shall not be construed as denial of the existence of such responsibilities or practices.

  1. Principles of Ethics form the underlying moral basis for the Code of Ethics. These principles are aspirational and inspirational in nature. Individuals shall observe these principles as affirmative obligations under all conditions of professional activity.
  2. Rules of Ethics are specific statements of minimally acceptable professional conduct which are applicable to all individuals.

PRINCIPLE OF ETHICS I:

Individuals shall honor their responsibility to hold paramount the welfare of persons served professionally or who are participants in research and scholarly activities, and they shall treat animals involved in research in a humane manner.

RULES OF ETHICS

  1. Individuals shall provide all services in a competent manner.
  2. Individuals shall use every resource necessary, including referral when appropriate to ensure that the highest quality service is provided.
  3. Individuals shall not discriminate in the delivery of professional services or the conduct of research or scholarly activities on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, gender identity/gender expression, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or disability.
  4. Individuals shall not misrepresent the credentials of assistants, technicians, support personnel, students, or any others under their supervision, and they shall inform those they serve of the name and professional credentials of persons providing services.
  5. Individuals shall fully inform persons served of the nature and possible effects of services rendered and products dispensed, and they shall inform participants in research about the possible effects of their participation in research conducted.
  6. Individuals shall evaluate the effectiveness of services rendered and of products dispensed and shall not provide services or dispense products when benefit cannot reasonably be expected.
  7. Individuals shall not guarantee the results of any treatment procedure, directly or by implication; however, a reasonable statement of prognosis may be made.
  8. Individuals shall not evaluate or treat speech, language or hearing disorders except in a professional relationship. They shall not evaluate or treat solely by correspondence. Individuals may practice by telecommunication (e.g., telehealth/e-health) where allowed by law.
  9. Individuals shall maintain adequate and secure records of professional services rendered, products dispensed, and research conducted and shall provide access to these records when appropriately authorized.
  10. Individuals shall not reveal to unauthorized persons any professional or personal information obtained from the person served professionally or identified participants involved in research, unless required by law or necessary to protect the welfare of the person or the community.
  11. Individuals shall not charge for services not rendered, nor shall they misrepresent in any fashion, services rendered, products dispensed, or research conducted.
  12. Individuals shall not use persons in research or as the subject of a teaching demonstration without obtaining their informed consent.
  13. Individuals shall withdraw from professional practices when either substance abuse or an emotional or mental disability may adversely affect the quality of services rendered.
  14. Individuals shall respect laws and regulations governing consumer care and shall accept the responsibility to work actively to change any laws that are detrimental to the best interest of the public.
  15. Individuals shall not discontinue service to those they are serving without providing reasonable notice.

PRINCIPLE OF ETIHCS II:
Individuals shall honor their responsibility to achieve and maintain the highest level of professional competence.

RULES OF ETHICS

  1. Individuals engaging in any aspect of the professions shall perform within the scope of their professional practice and competence, considering their level of education, training, and experience.
  2. Individuals shall continue their professional development throughout their careers.
  3. Individuals shall not engage in the provision of clinical services unless they hold the appropriate certification or licensure or unless they are in the certification process and are supervised by an individual who holds the appropriate certification or license.
  4. Individuals shall not delegate the provision of clinical services to noncertified persons for whom they do not provide appropriate supervision and assume full responsibility.
  5. Individuals shall not require or permit any of their professional staff to provide services that exceed the staff member’s competence, education, training, and experience.
  6. Individuals shall ensure that all equipment used to provide services or to conduct research is in proper working order and is properly calibrated.

PRINCIPLE OF ETHICS III:

Individuals shall honor their responsibilities to the public through information and education, responsible marketing and advertising, and development of services for unmet needs.

RULES OF ETHICS

  1. Individuals shall not misrepresent their credentials, competence, education, training, experience, or scholarly or research contributions.
  2. Individuals shall not defraud or engage in any scheme to defraud in connection with obtaining payment, reimbursement, or grants for services rendered, research conducted, or products dispensed.
  3. Individual’s statements to the public shall provide accurate information about the nature and management of communication disorders, about the professions, about professional services, about products for sale, and about research activities.
  4. Individuals statements to the public when advertising or announcing their professional services, reporting research results and promoting products shall adhere to prevailing professional standards and shall not contain misrepresentation.
  5. Individuals shall not participate in professional activities that constitute a conflict of interest.
  6. Individuals shall refer those served professionally solely on the basis of the interest of those being referred and not on any personal interest, financial or otherwise.

PRINCIPLE OF ETHICS IV:

Individuals shall honor their responsibilities to the professions and their relationships with colleagues, students, and members of other professions and disciplines. Individuals shall uphold the dignity and autonomy of the profession, maintain harmonious interprofessional and intraprofessional relationships, and accept the professions’ self‐imposed standards.

RULES OF ETHICS

  1. Individuals shall not require or permit anyone under their supervision to engage in any practice that is a violation of the Code of Ethics.
  2. Individuals shall assign credit to those who have contributed to a publication, presentation, or product in proportion to their contribution.
  3. Individual’s statements to colleagues about professional services, research results, and products shall adhere to prevailing professional standards and shall not contain misrepresentation.
  4. Individuals shall not provide professional services without exercising independent professional judgment, regardless of referral source or prescription.
  5. Individuals shall not engage in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
  6. Individuals shall not engage in any form of unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment or power abuse.
  7. Individuals shall not engage in sexual activities with clients, students, or research participants over whom they exercise professional authority or power.
  8. Individuals shall reference the source when using other persons’ ideas, research, presentations, or products in written, oral, or any other media presentation or summary.
  9. Individuals shall not discriminate in their relationships with colleagues, students, and members of other professions and disciplines on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, gender identity/gender expression, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or disability.
  10. Individuals who have reason to believe that the Code of Ethics has been violated shall inform the Association Past-President.
  11. Individuals shall not file or encourage others to file complaints that disregard or ignore facts that would disprove the allegation, nor should the Code of Ethics be used for personal reprisal or as a vehicle for retaliation.