Code of Ethics
Passed By Executive Council Of SAOT, 1996
This code of ethics shall apply to all occupational therapy personnel. The term ‘occupational therapy personnel’ shall include occupational therapy students and qualified occupational therapists working in Singapore. The roles of practitioner, educator, manager, researcher and consultant are assumed. This code is intended to be used as a guide to promoting and maintaining the highest standards of ethical behaviour.
(I) RESPONSIBILITIES TO PATIENTS AND CLIENTS
The individual is responsible for providing services without regard to race, nationality, sex, age, impairment, disability, handicap, social status, financial status and religious affiliation.
The individual shall involve those people served in the treatment planning process and inform them of the nature and potential outcomes of treatment at appropriate times.
The individual, beyond the necessary sharing of information with professional colleagues, is to safeguard confidential information relating to patients or clients.
The individual shall maintain goal-directed and objective relationships with all people served.
The individual has a responsibility always to promote the dignity, privacy, autonomy and safety of all patients and clients.
For education or research activities, the individual shall inform subjects involved of the potential outcome of those activities.
(II) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
Occupational therapy personnel shall actively maintain high standards of professional competence.
The individual shall hold the recognised qualification for providing service.
The individual shall recognize the need for competence and shall participate in continuing professional development
If beneficial to the patients or clients, the individual should refer to or consult with other service providers
(III) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Occupational therapy personnel shall comply with rules and regulations of their employing organisations and policies guiding the profession of occupational therapy in Singapore.
(IV) ADVERTISING
Occupational therapy personnel shall provide accurate information concerning their qualifications, occupational therapy and its services.
(V) PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Occupational therapy personnel shall function with discretion and integrity in relations with colleagues and other professionals.
The individual shall respect the needs, traditions, practices, special competencies and responsibilities of their own and other professions, as well as those of the organisations that constitute their working environment.
The individual who employs or supervises colleagues shall provide appropriate supervision.
Theindividualshallrecognisethecontributionsofcolleagueswhendisseminating professional information.
(VI) PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Occupational therapy personnel shall be loyal to their professional organisation and their fellow members and not to engage in any form of conduct that adversely reflects on the profession.