KNR 273: Ethics

What are ethics?

Statements of what is right or

wrong, which usually are presented
as systems of valued behaviors &
beliefs
Serve the purpose of governing
conduct
Jacobson

& James, 2001

What are ethics?

Involves study of what is morally

good & bad, right & wrong
regarding human behavior
Sylvester,

Voelkl, & Ellis, 2001

Standards of behavior
Govern conduct
How you should act or behave

Clinical Ethics
Clinical ethics is defined as the
systematic identification, analysis,
and resolution of ethical problems
associated with the care of
particular patients.
The concern is with moral dilemmas
that confront all health care
professionals. (ATRA, 1998)

Code of Ethics

Written list of values & standards of

conduct of a group
Framework for decision-making
Are normally general statements
Do not give specific answers to
every possible dilemma that might
arise

Professional Ethics

System of conduct to guide the

practice of a specific discipline
Applied ethics
Professional & societal expectations
that those who practice TR have a
duty to practice, behave & act in an
ethical manner

Personal Ethics Influenced By

Faculty/mentors
Internship supervisors
Professional codes of ethics
Textbooks & professional materials
Colleagues
Family & friends
Religious & moral influences

TR & Ethics

Most professions have 1 code of

ethics
TR has how many?
ATRA
NTRS

(previously)
ITRS (perhaps other state
organizations)
NCTRC

TR & Ethics

ATRA code does not have

enforcement procedures
CTRS violation of professional
ethics can be sanctioned by NCTRC
Misconduct

standard
Gross or repeated violations
Suspension
Revocation of certification

ATRA Code of Ethics (2009)

Principle 1 & 2 both deal with protecting

from harm

Principle 1:Beneficence
Practitioners maximize benefits to the client and
minimize possible harm.
Taking action to remove from harm
Principle 2: Non-Maleficience
Use knowledge, skills, abilities & judgments to
help persons while respecting their decisions &
protecting them from harm
Not inflicting harm

ATRA Code of Ethics (2009)

Principle 3:Autonomy
Respect

the individual's right of

CHOICE.
Respect the decisions of legally
appointed guardians / advocates if
client is incapacitated

ATRA Code of Ethics (2009)

Principle 4:Justice

Access to services must be available to all. There

must be fairness in distribution of service based
on individual need.
Consider race, creed, orientation, gender, etc.

Principle 5:Fidelity

Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but

the truth. Do what you say you are going to do.
Meet commitments
Secondary obligation is to colleagues, agency, &
professions

ATRA Code of Ethics (2009)

Principle 6: Veracity
Should

be truthful and honest

Deception, by being dishonest or
omitting what is true should be avoided

ATRA Code of Ethics (2009)

Principle 7: Informed Consent

Services should be based on mutual respect and

shared decision making
Provide information about service, benefits,
outcomes, length of treatment, expected
activities, & limitations
Provide information about professionals training
& credentials
Information provides so person can decide to
accept treatment

ATRA Code of Ethics (2009)

Principle 8:Confidentiality and

Privacy

Always respect people's privacy and always be

confidential with regard to patient care.

Principle 9:Competence

Continually take steps to attain, maintain, and

expand your competence in Therapeutic
Recreation practice.
Demonstrate current competence
Maintain credential

ATRA Code of Ethics (2009)

Principle 10:Compliance with Laws

and Regulations
Know

the laws governing the profession

and the population served.
E.g. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
ADA
IDEA
OSHA
Patient Bill of Rights (by end of 1999)

Ethics & Confidentiality

Assume all information is

confidential & may not be shared
Unless
Specific

permission is obtained

Or
Clients

pose danger to selves

Clients request release of information
to 3rd party
Court orders

Ethics & Confidentiality

Dont make
promises you cant
keep
Tell clients about
times & conditions
when information
will be shared
Impact on
professional
relationship

Decision-Making Model for Ethical

Situations

Step One: Identify the Behavior

Step Two: Determine Professional

Relevance

What is the behavior, action, or decision at

question?

Does this pertain to the TRS professional role?

Step Three: Differentiate Personal

and/or Professional Ideals and Values

How are my personal values influencing my

professional judgment?

Decision-Making Model for Ethical

Situations

Step Four: Consider Legal Duties

Step Five: Assess Ethical

Obligations

Is there any law or judicial violation involved in

this dilemma?

Is there a behavior in this dilemma that

violates an ATRA Code of Ethics Principle?

Step Six: Define Action

What do I do next?

What should we do?

Include code of ethics in each

staffs/volunteers/interns
orientation & in-service training
Document code of ethics in written
plans of operation
Discuss ethical situations in staff
meetings
Attend conference sessions on
ethics