From the Ethics Committee….

by ArSHA.org | Posted on

Why Is There an Ethics Committee?
Ethics does not sound like the most exciting of topics, but a code of ethics is vitally important in our professions: it forms a stable framework for our practice in the fields of Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Communication Sciences. The Ethics Committee is able to accept written complaints, and we are happy to answer your questions about pertinent ethical issues. Please be aware that the Ethics Committee does not provide legal advice or a venue to seek legal remedy.

Does ArSHA have a Code of Ethics?
ArSHA upholds both the ASHA Code of Ethics and the State of Arizona Code of Ethics (AZ Administrative Code 36-1934). The ASHA Code of Ethics provides our go-to set of guiding Principles, of course, but since most practitioners within the state must hold an AZ License, we also operate under state-level jurisdiction. The Arizona Code generally deals with denial, revocation, or suspension of state licenses.

Ethics Quiz: An Ethical Issue or Not?

  1. You leave a job without reasonable notice or information about alternatives for obtaining
    care.

  2. An employer assigns you a caseload you believe is too heavy.
  3. You place a client for services in response to pressure from a parent, administrator, or other
    referral source.
  4. You are not being paid in a timely manner for contracted services.

Answers:

  1. Yes, this may fall under ASHA Principal 1 Rule T, and depending on circumstances, could
    be considered client abandonment.

  2. No, your situation may require a remedy, but a heavy caseload is not by itself an ethical
    issue.
  3. Yes, this may fall under ASHA Principal 1 Rule B, which relates to the exercise of
    independent professional judgement in recommending and providing professional services.
  4. No, this matter is outside the scope of ethics but may be addressed through legal
    channels.