ETHICS

Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia

Chapter 671-4 STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Rule 671-4-.01 Ethics of Occupational Therapy

The following Code of Ethics is hereby adopted by the Board to govern and serve as a guide for the conduct of licensed Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants in the practice of occupational therapy in this state. Reviews of numerous documents and guidelines published on occupational therapy ethics, including the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (A.O.T.A.) Code of Ethics, were utilized in the preparation of the following. Each licensed Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant shall:

(1)

Adhere to the code of ethics as adopted and published by the Board;

(2)

Demonstrate concern for the safety and well-being of the recipients of their services and ensure services and fees are provided in a fair and equitable manner;

(3)

Take measures to ensure each recipient's safety and avoid imposing or inflicting harm, avoid exploitation in any manner in therapeutic relationships, use professional judgment and objectivity at all times, avoid any compromise in the provision of services, and accept responsibility for professional actions;

(4)

Respect recipients, assuring their rights and observing confidentiality at all times;

(5)

Strive to achieve and continually maintain high standards of competence and take responsibility for competence through professional development and educational activities;

(6)

Comply with laws and rules of the State of Georgia and the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy, encourage peers to adhere to the Code of Ethics of the profession, and reporting any breaches of the Code of Ethics to the proper authority;

(7)

Provide accurate and complete information when representing the profession; and

(8)

Treat all colleagues and other professionals with respect, fairness, discretion and integrity.

Rule 671-4-.02 Unprofessional Conduct Defined. Amended

Unprofessional conduct shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a)

Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license by fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts;

(b)

Violating the ethics of occupational therapy as set forth by the Georgia Board of Occupational Therapy;

(c)

Being grossly negligent in the practice of occupational therapy or as an occupational therapy assistant;

(d)

Using drugs or intoxicating liquors to the extent that these effect the licensee's professional competence;

(e)

Practicing occupational therapy after being adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(f)

Being convicted of a crime other than minor offenses defined as "minor misdemeanors", "violations" or "offenses" in any court if the acts for which he or she was convicted are found by the Board to have a direct bearing on whether he or she should been trusted to serve the public in the capacity of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant;

(g)

Using or holding yourself out as being able to utilize occupational therapy techniques involving physical agent modalities when not certified by the Board to use physical agent modalities;

(h)

Having committed any other conduct which ordinary and reasonable individuals would consider unprofessional.

(i)

Failing to adhere to the provisions of the 'Consumer Information and Awareness Act' as codified in O.C.G.A. § 43-1-33.