1. Ethical Issues in Speech Language Pathology
Jennifer Meyer
Spring 2017

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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.?

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. 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.

9. 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