Code of Ethics

Preamble

The professions of audiology and speech-language pathology seek to maintain high standards of conduct and moral judgement in their practices and relationships with patients/clients, the public and fellow practitioners. These practices will be guided by moral principles and rules that assist the professional to choose the right, fair, good and just action. These moral principles and rules are stated as the Code of Ethics.

This Code of Ethics seeks to provide ethical foundations for the practice of audiology and speech-pathology which: (a) are consistent with the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and (b) foster sound moral reasoning and personal integrity in professional conduct.  (TOP)

Ethical Principles

Principle 1

The primary ethical obligation of audiologists and speech-language pathologists is to practice their skills for the benefit of their patients/clients.

Principle 2

In the pursuit of patient-client benefit, audiologists and speech-language pathologists have an ethical obligation to respect patients/clients as persons. These two principles support the following rules governing the legal, professional, personal, public and business dimensions of the practice of audiologists and speech-language pathologists.   (TOP)

Rules Governing Practice

Legal Constraints on Practice

Professional Constraints on Practice

Personal Characteristics

Public Relations

Business Relations

1. Legal Constraints on Practice

Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists:

1.1 will abide by the laws of Ontario and Canada including the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991 and the regulation made thereunder;

1.2 will be registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario and abide by the regulations and standards of the College;

1.3 will be honourable and truthful in all their professional relations;

1.4 will respect patients'/clients' choice of practitioners;

1.5 will respect the patients'/clients' right to participate in treatment decisions and to be informed of potential risks and benefits of treatment options;

1.6 will respect the patients'/clients' right to decline treatment;

1.7 will not discriminate in their relationships with either their patients/clients or their colleagues on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or age;

1.8 will, conditional upon employment policies, have the right to select their caseload;

1.9 will make clear the constraints placed by research and educational goals on the patient/client-practitioner relationship.

  (TOP)

2. Professional Constraints on Practice Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists:

2.1 will behave in a professionally exemplary manner refraining from physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse of patients/clients;

2.2 will practice within the limits of their competence as determined by their education, training and professional experience;

2.3 will regularly participate in professional development and educational programs designed to improve quality of care;

2.4 will not allow supportive personnel or students to render services without adequate supervision;

2.5 will ensure that the primary assessment/treatment/consultation with patients/clients will be a face-to-face encounter. General education materials and follow-up care may be judiciously delivered by electronic means;

2.6 will avoid activities that could be construed as involving a conflict of interest;

2.7 will exercise independent professional judgement before implementing professional service/prescription;

2.8 will maintain adequate records of services rendered and products dispensed and will allow access to these records when appropriately authorized;

2.9 will ensure that all equipment used is calibrated and in proper working order;

  (TOP)

3. Personal Characteristics Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists:

3.1 will not practice if a physical or mental impairment affects their ability to provide quality services;

3.2 will protect the health and well being of their patients/clients and advocate for them when appropriate;

3.3 will utilize all possible resources to ensure that quality service is provided, acknowledging the need for referral in special cases;

3.4 will provide a realistic statement of outcome;

3.5 will apprise patients/clients of programs and services from which they may benefit;

3.6 will make available for potential public benefit any of their professional discoveries;

3.7 will develop and maintain positive professional relationships with their colleagues, students and other professionals;

  (TOP)

4. Public Relations Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists:

4.1 will not misrepresent credentials, competence, education, training or experience;

4.2 will not represent themselves to the public as exclusive agents of the methods or techniques they employ;

4.3 will undertake to provide accurate information to the public;

4.4 will maintain the standards and dignity of the profession in all media involvement;

4.5 will acknowledge the contributions of others in a publication, presentation or product;

4.6 will cooperate with appropriate public officials to the extent required by law;

  (TOP)

5. Business Relations Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists:

5.1 will set reasonable fee structures based on fair value for services rendered and will provide this information in advance of rendering these services;

5.2 will refrain from securing patents and copy rights that restrict practice and research.