Ethical Decision-Making in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

This course explores the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) codes of ethics through multiple case studies, clearly distinguishing between ethical and legal responsibilities. Participants will enhance their ability to navigate ethical dilemmas in professional practice.

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Understand the distinctions between legal obligations and ethical standards in clinical speech-language pathology and audiology practice.
• Apply Core Ethical Principles: Define and apply autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice in clinical scenarios.
• Utilize Ethical Decision-Making Models: Use structured frameworks to assess and resolve ethical dilemmas in professional settings.
• Identify Roles of Professional Associations and Regulatory Boards: Understand how ASHA, AAA, and state boards promote and enforce ethical standards.
• Compare ASHA and AAA Ethical Codes: Examine key similarities and differences and apply both to real-life practice examples.
• Recognize Ethical Issues in Practice Management: Identify concerns related to confidentiality, billing practices, documentation, and conflicts of interest.
• Maintain Ethical Standards in Telepractice: Ensure privacy, obtain informed consent, and navigate technological limitations ethically.
• Interpret Employer Codes of Conduct: Analyze how institutional policies influence ethical compliance in daily practice.
• Report Unethical Behavior: Learn the proper procedures for reporting violations and understand potential outcomes.
• Analyze Ethical Case Studies: Practice applying ethical principles and decision-making to complex, real-world situations.