Code of Ethics

PURPOSE: This rule establishes the code of ethics for applicants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and for holders of limited permits issued by the board. (1) All applicants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and limited permit holders shall— (A) Demonstrate behavior that reflects integrity, supports objectivity, and fosters trust in the profession and its professionals; (B) Actively maintain and continually improve professional competence and represent it accurately; (C) Perform only those procedures or functions in which s/he is individually competent and which are within the scope of accepted and responsible practice; (D) Respect and protect the legal and personal rights of the patient/client, including the right to informed consent and refusal of treatment; (E) Divulge no confidential information regarding any patient/client or family unless disclosure is required for responsible performance of duty or required by law; (F) Provide care without discrimination on any basis with respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals; (G) Collaborate with service recipients or their surrogate(s) in determining goals and priorities throughout the intervention process; (H) Refuse to participate in illegal or unethical acts, or conceal illegal, unethical or incompetent acts of others; (I) Follow sound scientific procedures and ethical principles in research; (J) Comply with all state and federal laws and regulations; (K) Avoid any form of conduct that creates a conflict of interest and follow the principles of professional ethical business behaviors; (L) Promote the positive evolution of the profession and health care through improvement of the access, efficacy, and cost of patient/client care; (M) Refrain from indiscriminate and unnecessary use of resources, both economical and natural, in the practice of occupational therapy; and (N) Within the limits of the law, an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant or limited permit holder shall report to the board all knowledge of suspected violations of the laws and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy as defined in section 324.050, RSMo, and any other applicable state or federal laws and rules. (2) Failure of an applicant to adhere to the code of ethics constitutes unprofessional conduct and may be grounds for denial of the license or limited permit. (3) Failure of an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant or limited permit holder to adhere to the code of ethics constitutes grounds for discipline of the licensee or limited permit holder. AUTHORITY: sections 324.050, 324.065, 324.071, 324.083 and 324.086, RSMo Supp. 1997.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 205-6.010. Original rule filed Aug. 4, 1998, effective Dec. 30, 1998. Moved to 20 CSR 2205-6.010, effective Aug. 28, 2006. *Original authority 1997.