Overview
The Scope of Practice in Communication Sciences and Disorders is always changing and evolving; always running to keep up with the new challenges. Because of this, a familiarity with the principles and rules of the profession's Code of Ethics is sometimes not enough. Knowing the rules for the Code of Ethics is similar to children learning to say "please" and "thank you." They learn to say "please" when they want something and "thank you" when they receive it. While this is the foundation upon which good manners are built, the heart for how to express a wish or gratitude in a polite way is not yet instilled in them. It is only later that this becomes part of their character.
Likewise, simply knowing the rules for the Code of Ethics is not enough. Professionals need to go beyond knowing the rules to having an inherent understanding of the concepts. Professionals and university students need internal tools for evaluating what is ethical and what is not.
What Is a Code of Ethics?
A Code of Ethics is the formalization of experience set into rulesrules which are adopted by a community because its members accept adherence to the rules, including the restrictions that apply. Adhering to a code of ethics is strictly voluntary, but once those who wish to be a part of a community join in, an acceptance of the rules and the restrictions that relate to the codes of behavior are inherent.
Who Is the Community?
Professional organizations are the communities. An important requirement for membership in a profession is the agreement to adhere to a Code of Ethics. Codes delineate responsibilitiesfirst to consumers, second to colleagues, third to the public, and fourth to the profession. Codes are established by the members of a professionthey are discussed and decided upon by those who will agree to accept the code as a guideline for their behavior.
Challenges and Realities
Despite the different settings in which a profession is practiced (e.g., schools, hospitals, universities, etc.), ethical behavior is expected and consistent across all employment settings and with all clients. The responsibility to conform is not dependent on the setting.
On occasion, employers make demands that are in conflict with ethical behavior. When this happens, a deeper understanding of the Code of Ethics provides the professional with the tools needed to think about the concerns and to discuss concerns with employers.
Professionals sometimes develop bad habits, use poor judgment, or make mistakes. A Code of Ethics is the road map to avoiding such pitfalls, but it needs to be at a level of awareness for all professionals so that it can guide an SLP before mistakes take place (Miller, 2007).
ASHA Code of Ethics: A Brief Review
There are four principles that comprise the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Code of Ethics (ASHA, 2003). This section will provide a brief review of each principle.
Principle of Ethics I
Individuals shall honor their responsibility to hold paramount the welfare of persons they serve professionally or participants in research and scholarly activities and shall treat animals involved in research in a humane manner.
Principle I is to hold paramount the welfare of clients and/or persons served. This includes being competent and using all available resources when providing services. Referrals must be made when needed and/or when the professional cannot complete services to the client.
A professional must accurately represent his or her credentials. When communicating with clients, it is imperative that those we serve are fully informed of the nature and effects of services rendered. This includes informing the client of the consequences of choosing to not engage in recommended services.
