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 b e 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.

RULES OF ETHICS

A. Individuals shall provide all services in a competent manner.

B. Individuals shall use every resource necessary, including referral when appropriate, to ensure that the highest quality service is provided.

C. Individuals shall not discriminate in the delivery of professional services on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

D. Individuals shall fully inform persons served of the nature and possible effects of services rendered and products dispensed.

E. 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.

F. Individuals shall not guarantee the results of any treatment procedure, directly or by implication; however, a reasonable statement of prognosis may be made.

G. 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.

H. Individuals shall maintain adequate records of professional services rendered and products dispensed and shall provide access to these records when appropriately authorized.

I. Individuals shall not reveal to unauthorized persons any professional or personal information obtained from the person served professionally, unless required by law or necessary to protect the welfare of the person or the community.

J. Individuals shall not charge for services not rendered, nor shall they misrepresent in any fashion, services rendered or products dispensed.

K. Individuals shall not use persons in research or as the subject of a teaching demonstration without obtaining their informed consent.

L. Individuals shall withdraw from professional practices when either substance abuse of an emotional or mental disability may adversely affect the quality of services rendered.

M. 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.

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

RULES OF ETHICS
A. Individuals engaging in any aspect of the professions shall perform within the scope of their competence, education, training, and experience.

B. Individuals shall continue their professional development throughout their careers.

C. 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.

D. Individuals shall not delegate the provision of clinical services to non-certified persons for whom they do not provide appropriate supervision and assume full responsibility.

E. Individuals shall not permit any of their professional staff to provide services that exceed the staff's competence, education, training, and experience.

PRINCIPLES 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
A. Individuals shall not misrepresent their credentials, competence, education, training, or experience.

B. Individuals shall not engage in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or any form of conduct that adversely reflects on the professions or on the individual's fitness to serve persons professionally.

C. Individual's statements to the public shall provide accurate information about the nature and management of communication disorders, about the professions and about professional services.

D. Individual's statements to the public announcing their professional services, reporting research results and promoting products shall adhere to prevailing professional standards and shall not contain misrepresentation.

E. Individuals shall not participate in professional activities that constitute a conflict of interest.

PRINCIPLE OF ETHICS IV:
Individuals shall honor their responsibilities to the professions, and their relationships with colleagues, students, and members of allied professions. 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
A. Individuals shall not require or permit anyone under their supervision to engage in any practice that is a violation of the Code of Ethics.

B. Individuals shall assign credit to those who have contributed to a publication, presentation, or product in proportion to their contribution.

C. Individuals statements to their colleagues about professional services, research results, and products shall adhere to prevailing professional standards and shall not contain misrepresentation.

D. Individuals shall not provide professional services by order or prescription of anyone who does not hold the appropriate certification or licensure without exercising independent professional judgement.

E. Individuals shall not misrepresent diagnostic information, services rendered, or products dispensed or engage in any scheme or artifice to defraud in connection with obtaining reimbursement.

F. Individuals shall respect laws and regulations governing professional practice and shall accept the responsibility to work actively to change laws that are detrimental to the profession.

G. Individuals who have reason to believe that the Code of Ethics has been violated shall inform the Ethics and Governmental Affairs Chairperson.