Published 2024. This Issues in Ethics statement was originally published in 2020 and has been updated to make any references to the Code of Ethics consistent with the Code of Ethics (2023) (hereinafter, "Code of Ethics"). The Board of Ethics (hereinafter, the "BOE") reviews Issues in Ethics statements periodically to ensure that they reflect current practices and the current Code of Ethics.
From time to time, the BOE determines that members and certificate holders can benefit from additional analysis and instruction concerning a specific issue of ethical conduct. Issues in Ethics statements are intended to heighten sensitivity and increase awareness. They are illustrative of the Code of Ethics and are intended to promote thoughtful consideration of ethical issues. They may assist members and certificate holders in engaging in self-guided ethical decision making. These statements do not absolutely prohibit or require specified activity. The facts and circumstances surrounding a matter of concern will determine whether the activity is ethical.
Ethical reporting is a process of transparency. Foundational to proper, professional, and ethical conduct is the intent to be honest, accurate, and complete when providing required information. Many clinical, research, and teaching scenarios can potentially foster a natural tension between professional obligation and personal preference/gain. In reporting, both intentional and unintentional misrepresentations, as well as conflicts of interest, may create ethical violations. Adherence to professional obligations and standards in the Code of Ethics is essential to minimize a possible ethical violation.
Reporting ethically requires you to proactively and deliberately provide honest and complete information in all areas of professional practice (e.g., credentials, services, relationships, payments, and advertising).
Self-reporting is a special case of reporting in which you must disclose criminal convictions or receipt of professional discipline to the ASHA Ethics Office.
The Code of Ethics fully addresses ethical reporting. Specific rules in Principles I, III, and IV address professional conduct regarding one's responsibility to the public served and adherence to professional standards.
Ethical reporting is the responsibility of ASHA-certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists who are ASHA members; ASHA members who are not certified; and applicants for ASHA certification as well as applicants for certification and membership.
The need for, and importance of, ethical reporting is reflected by the number of Code of Ethics Principles and Rules on this subject. It is the responsibility of individuals under the Code of Ethics's jurisdiction to report honestly, accurately, and completely.
When completing an initial or reinstatement application for ASHA certification and/or membership, applicants must truthfully answer the following three questions related to formal professional discipline and criminal convictions, regardless of local employment laws or regulations. These self-reported acts are considered disclosure.
ASHA members and/or certificate holders whose certification status becomes "Not Current" are also required to answer these same three questions upon renewal. Those applicants who can answer "yes"—affirmative disclosure—to any of the three questions must do so, in addition to submitting certified documentation regarding the discipline or conviction when requested.
All ASHA certification applications (initial and reinstatement) and renewals that include an affirmative disclosure are subject to a separate review process by the Disclosure Committee of the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC). Depending on the seriousness of the disclosure made concerning criminal offenses or disciplinary actions, the Disclosure Committee may deny certification to the applicant or, if the offenses occurred while the individual was an applicant, refer the matter to the BOE to determine whether the individual has violated the Code of Ethics.
The obligation to report does not end with the application—it continues for ASHA members and certificate holders through Principle IV, Rules T and U of the Code.
Self-report misdemeanors and felonies—in writing—to the ASHA Ethics Office within 60 days of the conviction, plea, or finding of guilt. Notify ASHA if you have been convicted; found guilty; or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to (1) any misdemeanor involving dishonesty, physical harm—or the threat of physical harm—to the person or property of another, or (2) any felony within 60 days of the conviction, plea, or finding of guilt.
Self-report—in writing, within 60 days of the final action, sanction, or disposition—to the ASHA Ethics Office if you
The Code of Ethics provides guidance about ethical reporting across many areas of practice and research. If you are concerned that either you or a colleague has not properly self-reported or disclosed required information or conflicts of interest or has not accurately reported professional and/or research information, and may have violated the Code of Ethics, you have several options.
Regarding a colleague/other practitioner/ASHA member/applicant:
Regarding yourself:
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