The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has established a comprehensive Code of Ethics and an Assistants Code of Conduct to guide the professional conduct of its members, certificate holders, and certified assistants. These codes provide a framework for ethical decision-making, ensuring the welfare of consumers and protecting the reputation and integrity of the professions.
Key Facts
- Purpose: The Code of Ethics is designed to provide guidance to ASHA members and certified individuals in making professional decisions. It reflects the values and expectations of the professions, ensuring consumer welfare and protecting professional reputation and integrity.
- Assistants Code of Conduct: ASHA also has a separate Code of Conduct for audiology assistants and speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). The Code of Conduct establishes that assistants are not independent practitioners and must be supervised by appropriately-credentialed professionals.
- Commitment to Enforcement: ASHA is committed to enforcing its Codes of Ethics and Conduct. Self-regulation is important for building trust and respect for the professions, and enforcing the Codes provides incentive for individuals to make ethical choices.
- Board of Ethics: ASHA has established the Board of Ethics (BOE) to maintain and administer the Codes and educate individuals about their significance. The BOE accepts complaints for adjudication from various individuals, including consumers, employers, and students.
- Filing a Complaint: ASHA members, certificate holders, and certified assistants have a personal responsibility to monitor their own actions and those of others. They can file formal complaints against individuals they believe have violated the Codes. The BOE has a complaint process that ensures fairness and due process.
- Adjudication and Findings: The BOE considers the evidence provided by both the complainant and the respondent to reach its decision. If insufficient evidence exists, the matter is considered closed. If a violation is found, the BOE specifies the violated Code and determines a sanction, which can be private or public.
Purpose and Significance of the Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics serves as a guiding document for ASHA members and certified individuals, offering principles and standards that inform their professional decisions. It reflects the values and expectations of the professions, emphasizing duty, fairness, and responsibility. The Code of Ethics aims to ensure the welfare of consumers by upholding the highest standards of care and protecting the reputation and integrity of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists.
Assistants Code of Conduct: Ensuring Ethical Practice by Assistants
ASHA has developed a separate Code of Conduct specifically for audiology assistants and speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). This code recognizes that assistants are not independent practitioners and must be supervised by appropriately-credentialed professionals. The Code of Conduct outlines the ethical responsibilities and expectations for assistants, promoting safe and competent service delivery within the scope of their certification and supervision.
ASHA’s Commitment to Enforcement: Fostering Self-Regulation and Ethical Behavior
ASHA is committed to enforcing its Codes of Ethics and Conduct. Self-regulation is crucial for building trust and respect for the professions, and enforcing the codes provides an incentive for individuals to make ethical choices. ASHA’s Board of Ethics (BOE) is responsible for maintaining and administering the codes and educating individuals about their significance. The BOE accepts complaints for adjudication from various individuals, including consumers, employers, and students.
Filing a Complaint: A Shared Responsibility in Upholding Ethical Standards
ASHA members, certificate holders, and certified assistants have a personal responsibility to monitor their own actions and those of others. They are encouraged to file formal complaints against individuals they believe have violated the Codes of Ethics or Conduct. The BOE has established a complaint process that ensures fairness and due process for both the complainant and the respondent.
Adjudication and Findings: Ensuring Fair and Impartial Resolutions
The BOE carefully considers the evidence provided by both the complainant and the respondent to reach its decision. If insufficient evidence exists to support a violation, the matter is considered closed. However, if a violation is found, the BOE specifies the violated Code and determines an appropriate sanction. Sanctions can range from private written warnings to public reprimands, suspensions, or revocations of membership or certification.
Conclusion: The Importance of Ethical Codes in Professional Practice
The ASHA Code of Ethics and Assistants Code of Conduct serve as essential tools in promoting ethical conduct and maintaining the integrity of the communication sciences and disorders professions. Through these codes, ASHA members, certificate holders, and certified assistants are guided in their professional decision-making, ensuring the welfare of consumers and upholding the highest standards of care. The active participation of individuals in filing complaints and adhering to the codes contributes to a culture of ethical practice, fostering trust and respect within the professions and among the public they serve.
References
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2020). ASHA’s Code of Ethics and Assistants Code of Conduct and Principles Associated With Their Enforcement. https://www.asha.org/practice/ethics/boe-code-enforcement/
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2020). State Codes and Ethical Provisions. https://www.asha.org/practice/ethics/state-codes-of-ethics/
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2020). Assistants Code of Conduct. https://www.asha.org/policy/assistants-code-of-conduct/
FAQs
What is the purpose of the ASHA Code of Ethics?
The ASHA Code of Ethics provides guidance to members and certified individuals in making ethical professional decisions. It reflects the values and expectations of the professions, ensuring consumer welfare and protecting professional reputation and integrity.
What is the Assistants Code of Conduct?
The Assistants Code of Conduct is a separate code established by ASHA for audiology assistants and speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). It outlines the ethical responsibilities and expectations for assistants, promoting safe and competent service delivery within the scope of their certification and supervision.
How does ASHA enforce its Codes of Ethics and Conduct?
ASHA has established the Board of Ethics (BOE) to maintain and administer the codes and educate individuals about their significance. The BOE accepts complaints for adjudication from various individuals, including consumers, employers, and students.
What is the process for filing a complaint under the ASHA Codes of Ethics or Conduct?
ASHA members, certificate holders, and certified assistants can file formal complaints against individuals they believe have violated the codes. The BOE has a complaint process that ensures fairness and due process for both the complainant and the respondent.
How does the BOE adjudicate complaints and determine findings?
The BOE carefully considers the evidence provided by both the complainant and the respondent to reach its decision. If insufficient evidence exists to support a violation, the matter is considered closed. However, if a violation is found, the BOE specifies the violated Code and determines an appropriate sanction.
What types of sanctions can the BOE impose for violations of the Codes of Ethics or Conduct?
Sanctions for violations can range from private written warnings to public reprimands, suspensions, or revocations of membership or certification. The BOE considers the severity of the violation and the individual’s history when determining the appropriate sanction.
Why is it important for ASHA members and certified individuals to adhere to the Codes of Ethics and Conduct?
Adherence to the codes is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reputation of the communication sciences and disorders professions. It fosters trust and respect among professionals and the public, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and protecting the welfare of consumers.
How can ASHA members and certified individuals stay informed about updates to the Codes of Ethics and Conduct?
ASHA members and certified individuals are encouraged to regularly review the Codes of Ethics and Conduct and any updates or revisions made by the BOE. They can access these documents and related resources on the ASHA website or by contacting the ASHA Ethics program.