Ethical Issues in Speech Language Pathology Jennifer Meyer Spring 2016

A framework for thinking ethically Respecting the right of the other Treating everyone equally Doing the most good and the least harm Being consistent with ideal virtues Contributing to the common good Velasquez, M. et al. (2009). A Framework for Thinking Ethically. Available from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Looks at usefulness, outcomes Respecting the right of the other Treating everyone equally Doing the most good and the least harm Being consistent with ideal virtues Contributing to the common good Looks at usefulness, outcomes What are the consequences of my actions? Is the outcome beneficial to my client?

What do I need to do to be fair to clients, colleagues? Contributing to the common good Respecting the right of the other Treating everyone equally Doing the most good and the least harm Being consistent with ideal virtues Fairness and justice What do I need to do to be fair to clients, colleagues? What can I do if unequal treatment is inevitable?

Make own choices; be told the truth; right to privacy Being consistent with ideal virtues Contributing to the common good Respecting the right of the other Treating everyone equally Doing the most good and the least harm Make own choices; be told the truth; right to privacy How can I ensure the client’s values and preferences? How can I ensure the client’s safety, privacy, etc.?

Respect & compassion for others; welfare for everyone Doing the most good and the least harm Being consistent with ideal virtues Contributing to the common good Respecting the right of the other Treating everyone equally Respect & compassion for others; welfare for everyone What can I do to improve the welfare of my clients? What is my responsibility to those who are vulnerable?

Honesty, compassion, integrity Treating everyone equally Doing the most good and the least harm Being consistent with ideal virtues Contributing to the common good Respecting the right of the other Honesty, compassion, integrity What kind of person will I become if I do this? Is this action consistent with my acting at my best?

Ethical Dilemma Decision-Making Process What is the ethical question? What do we know? What do we need to know? Who are the people involved? What are the possible actions? What evidence, legal and ethical guidance, and/or personal, social and professional insights support/contradict this action? Chabon, S. , Brown , J. E.  & Gildersleeve-Neumann, C. (2010, August 03). Ethics, Equity, and English-Language Learners: A Decision-Making Framework. The ASHA Leader.

Codes, Laws, and Regulations that Govern Our Work Professional code of ethics ASHA Code of Ethics State licensure laws Oregon Board of Examiner for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology State and federal laws IDEA HIPAA, FERPA Mandatory reporting Employer policies Confidentiality, safety, etc. ASHA Code of Ethics: Principles represent the moral basis for the Code of Ethics; Rules of ethics – minimally acceptable professional conduct Principle I Responsibility for the persons served professionally, including persons participating in research Principle II Responsibility to achieve and maintain highest level of professional competence Principle III Responsibility to the public Principle IV Responsibility to the professions and to colleagues, students, and members of other professions Oregon Board – Purpose Protect the public as it relates to SLPs and audiologists establishes for initial and continued licensure Establishes professional and ethical standards Investigates complaints, issues disciplinary actions if laws and rules are violated (denial, suspension or revocation of license