Code of Ethics

Introductory Statement
The ethos of the occupational therapy profession and its practice requires its members to discharge their
duties and responsibilities, at all times, in a manner which professionally, ethically, and morally compromises
no individual with whom they have professional contact, irrespective of that person’s position, situation or
condition in society.
The Code of Ethics is founded on the bio-ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, honesty,
veracity, confidentiality, justice, respect and autonomy.
The following statements, which constitute a Code of Ethics, are intended to act as clear guidance to all
occupational therapists in pursuance of their professional practice. These statements do not replace the
principles and procedures adopted by employing bodies, relevant legislation nor do they deny other rights
within society not specifically mentioned.
The code is set out with a ‘Statement’ which is an essential component of the code, accompanied in most
instances by an ‘Interpretation’ which is designed to amplify the relevant statement.

About Occupational Therapy Australia

Occupational Therapy Australia is the professional association for occupational therapists in Australia.
Our members are qualified occupational therapists employed throughout the public and private sectors. They
provide health care, vocational rehabilitation, and consultancy to clients.
Our mission is to provide member benefits through access to local professional support and resources, and
through opportunities to contribute to, and shape, professional excellence.
For more information about Occupational Therapy Australia, visit www.otaus.com.au.

© Occupational Therapy Australia 2014

This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in unaltered form only
(retaining this notice) for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organisation.
Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved.
Requests for further authorisation should be directed to The National Manager: Marketing &
Communications, care of:
Occupational Therapy Australia or [email protected]
6/340 Gore Street Fitzroy VIC 3065.

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 Relationships with, and
Responsibilities to,
Patients and Clients

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Confidentiality

Beyond the necessary sharing of information with professional colleagues, occupational therapists are to
safeguard confidential information relating to patients and clients.
a. The disclosure of confidential information is permissible when:
i. there is a legal compulsion
ii. a patient/client gives informed consent.
b. Refer to relevant legislation relating to access of information e.g. Freedom of Information
legislation.

Personal Relationships

Occupational therapists shall not enter into personal relationships which damage the establishment and
maintenance of professional trust.
Occupational therapists might experience strong positive or negative feelings towards patients and clients
which may be detrimental to the therapeutic relationship. When necessary, consideration should be given to
a change of therapist.

Respecting Patients’ and Clients’ Rights

Occupational therapists have a responsibility always to promote the dignity, privacy, autonomy, and safety of
all people with whom they come in contact in their professional practice. They should adhere to local
procedures.
Occupational therapists have a responsibility to inform all patients and clients of financial costs of any goods
and services. Costs need to be fair and reasonable, reflecting the services provided.
a. Occupational therapists are to ensure that they also observe the provisions of the current health and other
relevant acts pertaining to the area of work.
b. Protecting privacy may extend to safeguards when publishing visual or written material. It is necessary at
this time to refer to local procedures.
c. Autonomy implies that patients and clients and carers are active participants in any decision regarding
their involvement in services.

Withdrawal of Services for Patients and Clients

While occupational therapists have a right to state and support their views about the service for which they
work, they shall avoid any action which places patients and clients at risk, even if this is during the course of
an industrial dispute.
a. No action shall be taken which affects patients and clients whose ultimate safety might be at risk. This
would include services which, if withdrawn, could cause severe hardship.
b. When further guidance is required consult Occupational Therapy Australia or the relevant union(s).
c. It is recognised that there are times when therapeutic services should be withdrawn.

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 Professional Integrity

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Advertising

Occupational therapists may advertise in connection with their professional practice if the advertising is not
false, not misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive, is not vulgar or sensational, does not claim
or imply superiority of the occupational therapist over any or all other occupational therapists, and does not
contain testimonials or endorsements concerning the occupational therapist. The advertisement for the
occupational therapist may contain a statement of the areas of expertise in practice.

Discrimination

Occupational therapists shall not discriminate in their professional practice, on the basis of ethnicity, culture,
impairment, language, age, gender, sexual preference, religion, political beliefs or status in society.

Personal Abuse of Alcohol or Other Drugs

Occupational therapists should not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs which adversely affect the
performance of their professional duties.

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 Professional
Relationships and
Responsibilities

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Loyalty

Occupational therapists shall be loyal to their professional organisation and their fellow members of the
profession and shall respect and uphold their dignity.
Loyalty within any profession shall not override one’s responsibility as a member of society to uphold its
moral and legal obligations. If an occupational therapist is in doubt about the behaviour of a colleague, the
person can appeal in confidence to the National Office of Occupational Therapy Australia or the specific
state or territory Member Association. Occupational therapists should support their professional
organisations at all levels.

Public Comment

Occupational therapists are to ensure, when publishing articles or comments, that it is clear whether they are
representing the profession or whether they are making personal comment.

Working Relationships

Occupational therapists shall respect the needs, traditions, practices, special competencies, and
responsibilities of their own and other professions, as well as those of the institutions and agencies that
constitute their working environment.

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 Professional
Relationships and
Responsibilities

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Professional Development

All members of the occupational therapist profession have an individual responsibility to maintain their own
level of professional competence and each of them must strive to improve and update knowledge and skills.
Occupational therapists as members of the profession shall promote and maintain practice based on current
knowledge and research, and develop this body of knowledge as appropriate.
They shall promote the understanding of occupational therapy to the general public.
Occupational therapists have a responsibility to contribute to the continuing development of the profession
by critical evaluation of professional practice, research, student education, continuing education and
membership of the professional association.

Research

Occupational therapists undertaking research will seek ethical approval from relevant bodies prior to
commencement.
Any research undertaken has ethical requirements with which the occupational therapist must comply.

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 Professional Standards

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Competence

Occupational therapists must acknowledge the boundaries of their competence. They shall provide services
and use interventions for which they are qualified by training and experience.

a. Occupational therapists who delegate services must be satisfied that the people to whom these
are delegated are competent in their execution. Occupational therapists in these circumstances
retain ultimate responsibility for the management of their patients and clients.
b. Occupational therapists shall refrain from undertaking any activity in which problems or conflicts of
a personal nature are likely to affect their competence or cause harm to patients, clients or
colleagues.
c. Occupational therapists should recognise that a number of professions share common skills and
thus boundaries of practice may overlap.

Referral of Patients and Clients

Occupational therapists shall respond to referrals in a timely manner.

Occupational therapists have the right to refer patients and clients on to a more appropriate service or
decline the referral as appropriate.

Keeping Records of Patients and Clients

Occupational therapists shall keep records and reports clearly and concisely for the information of patients
and clients, professional colleagues, legal purposes and to record occupational therapy services.

a. Clear and concise records assist in the provision of optimum quality and service delivery.
b. Provision must be made for the secure and confidential storage and disposal of such records.
c. Refer to the relevant legislation on access to personal information.

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