Occupational Therapy

Practice Guidelines

Ethical Considerations

Part 29 of the Rules of the Board of Regents define "unprofessional conduct."

Occupational therapy professionals should refrain from:

• Undue influence of patients/clients in regard to products, services, goods, appliances or drugs
  
  
• Accepting or soliciting fees for referral
  
  
• Questionable moral practices
  
  
• False reporting of services
  
  
• Withholding patient/client records from the client
  
  
• Violating patient/client confidentiality
  
  
• Performing duties outside their legal scope of practice/competence
  
  
• Delegating professional responsibilities to others who are not qualified to perform such services
  
  
• False or deceptive advertising
  
  
• Engaging in practice without patient/client consent
  
  
• Withholding services from individuals in need of immediate care
  
  
• Harassing, abusing or intimidating patients/clients
  
  
• Failing to maintain or retain adequate patient records for at least six years
  
  
• Using the title "doctor," when practicing, without identifying the profession in which the degree was granted
  
  
• Failing to provide necessary supervision when supervision is indicated
  
  
• Guaranteeing satisfaction or cure
  
  
• Ordering unwarranted tests or treatments