Ethical Issues and Decision Making in Occupational Therapy, 3rd Edition

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About the Course: 
The purpose of this basic-level course is to provide occupational therapy personnel with an introduction to the study of ethical behavior and action as it is applied to occupational therapy practice, education, and research. The course is designed to facilitate learning and application of the ethical principles required to foster moral reasoning and practice the standards of conduct required for ethical decision-making in occupational therapy. To meet these ends, the course defines terms used in discussing ethics, describes the principles and values of ethics organized into the Code, discusses the standards of conduct, relates occupational therapy ethics to stakeholders in society, explains a decision-making process for analyzing ethics issues, and presents sample case studies. The case studies in this course are based on issues brought to the attention of the AOTA Ethics Commission (EC) members. All names and situations used in the case studies have been changed to avoid identifying any person or facility. 

Course Objectives: 
1. Recognize ethics terms, theories, principles, and sources of ethical issues. 
2. Identify ethics principles and standards of conduct identified in the “AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics” and the procedures used to enforce them in “Enforcement Procedures for the AOTA 2020 Code of Ethics.” 
3. Compare and contrast stakeholders and their role in ethical decision-making. 
4. Apply a decision-making process to resolve ethical questions and identify types of ethics issues occurring in occupational therapy practice. 

About the Author: 
Kathlyn L. Reed, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, MLIS, is an associate professor emeritus in the Sophie Lin Rydin School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, where she taught from 1997 to 2010. Dr. Reed received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University, a master’s degree in library studies and information from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in special education from the University of Washington in Seattle. She has published textbooks and peer-reviewed articles, and has presented at local, state, national, and international conferences. Dr. Reed is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, has presented the Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture, and has received the Award of Merit from the American Occupational Therapy Association. In addition, she has been placed on the Roster of Merit and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Occupational Therapy Association. From 2007 to 2010, Dr. Reed served as Chairperson of the American Occupational Therapy Association Ethics Commission. 

How to Receive Credit

  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest 
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity. 

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement 
It is the policy of Colibri not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners. 

Disclaimer 
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. 
©2023: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers. 

Accreditations and Approvals

AOTA logo Colibri Healthcare, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 5304. This Distance Learning-Independent is offered at .2 CEUs, Introductory, Professional Issues. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.