Resolving Ethical Dilemmas Related to High Caseloads in Public Schools

Session 8 from ArSHA's 2020 Virtual Convention

Kim Farinella, CCC-SLP; Jeff Meeks, CCC-SLP, from Northern Arizona University; Sarah Dachtyl, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIS, Sahuarita Unified School District

A recent ArSHA School SLP committee survey determined caseload/workload to be the number one concern for school-based speech-language pathologists in Arizona. While the negative impact of high caseloads on recruitment and retention of qualified SLPs in schools is well-documented, ethical dilemmas related to high caseloads are less evident. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss caseload/workload challenges in the context of the principles and rules of ASHA’s Code of Ethics, and provide evidence-based solutions for these challenges that promote ethical implementation of school- based services while maintaining compliance with legal entities. Case studies will highlight common ethical dilemmas related to high caseloads (e.g., lack of measurable progress, over-use of traditional service models, inadequate training and supervision of support personnel), and perceived barriers to proposed resolutions will be addressed. Legal and ethical jurisdictions will be differentiated, and overlap between entities will be explained. Finally, participants will have an opportunity to share real-world ethical dilemmas related to their caseload or workload, followed by guided small group discussion and ethical problem-solving reflection. This session will meet the one hour of professional development requirement in the area of ethics for ASHA certified speech language pathologists.

Time Ordered Agenda

15 Minutes - Introduction and Background
15 Minutes - Sharing ethical dilemmas (participants)
15 Minutes - Law vs. Ethics
15 Minutes - ASHA Code of Ethics and solving ethical problems
15 Minutes - Practice scenarios
15 Minutes - Potential solutions

Webinar Registration Rates:

$25 for ArSHA members
$50 for non-members

Register:

Members- https://www.arsha.org/membership-form/#/
Non-members- https://www.arsha.org/membership-form/#/event-registration/webinar-ethics-rec

 

This course is offered for 0.15 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate; Professional area).

Disclosures:

Financial Disclosure: Kim Farinella has no relevant financials to disclose.
Non-financial Disclosure: Kim Farinella is the former Ethical Practices Chair for ArSHA, and currently serves on the ArSHA Ethical Practices Board. She receives no compensation as a member of the ArSHA board.

Financial Disclosure: Jeff Meeks has no relevant financials to disclose.
Non-financial Disclosure: Jeff Meeks is a former President of ArSHA and currently serves as the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. He receives no compensation as a member of the ArSHA board.

Financial Disclosure: Shari Robertson has no relevant financials to disclose.
Non-financial Disclosure: Shari Robertson has no non-financial relations to disclose.