Blog Post 5 - Code of Ethics in SLP 🗝️

 

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides a list of common standards and practices by which speech-language pathologists serve clients and patients and conduct themselves professionally within the field called the Code of Ethics.

The ASHA Code of Ethics has been modified as the company sees fit to adapt to the ever-changing issues within the profession. 

Why is it important? 

Speech-language pathologists should abide by these key rules that are based on principles of duty, fairness, responsibility, and accountability which are intended to ensure the welfare of the client or patient and protect the reputation and integrity of the profession. This code also helps to guide daily competent, clinical decision-making. 

It's basically like an "oath" we live and practice by as professional speech-language pathologists. 

If we do not follow these rules, we SLPs could get into serious legal trouble or end up unintentionally harming a patient. I believe I speak for all of us when I say we want to provide the most pertinent, accurate care to our clients and wouldn't want to, in any way, harm or offend them. 

Principle I Rule C states: "Individuals shall not discriminate in the delivery of professional services or in the conduct of research and scholarly activities on the basis of age; citizenship; disability; ethnicity; gender; gender expression; gender identity; genetic information; national origin, including culture, language, dialect, and accent; race; religion; sex; sexual orientation; or veteran status."

As I spoke about above, as professionals, we do not want to offend or harm any of the clients under our care. For example, if you are seeing a client originating from a different culture than your own, you would need to educate yourself on appropriate ways to conduct yourself that align with this culture's mindsets/beliefs to present yourself as a competent and personable therapist in the eyes of the client and their family. This would also show them you are trustworthy and dedicated to providing them with the best care possible. 

One of the most important lessons we are taught in undergrad and graduate school is to tailor our services specifically to the client's needs - not only their medical needs but also their cultural needs. 

Overall, the ASHA Code of Ethics is an essential part of our profession and we should proceed to care for our clients by planting our practice firmly on these principles.