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AOTA-ENFORCEMENT — AOTA Enforcement Procedures for the Code of Ethics (2021)

AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2025) · Reference for OTs, OTAs, and OT students · Source: AOTA

What does AOTA-ENFORCEMENT say?

The AOTA Enforcement Procedures (published AJOT, November 2021, Vol. 75, Supplement 3) articulate the process for investigating and enforcing violations of the Code of Ethics. Key elements: (1) The Ethics Commission (EC) investigates complaints and determines whether violations have occurred. (2) Any individual may file a complaint — AOTA membership is not required to report. (3) The investigation process includes: receipt and preliminary review, formal investigation, hearing, and disposition. (4) Possible sanctions include: reprimand, censure, probation, suspension of membership, and permanent revocation of membership. (5) The respondent has due process rights including notice of charges, opportunity to respond, and right to appeal. (6) The EC may consult with legal counsel during investigations. (7) Complaints must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation. (8) The process is confidential during investigation. (9) Final actions are reported to appropriate parties including state regulatory boards and NBCOT. (10) The EC has jurisdiction over AOTA members only — non-members should be reported to their state licensing board or NBCOT.

Official source: read the full text in the AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2025) (official document).

Related sections

AOTA-COMMON-ETHICAL-ISSUES — AOTA Advisory: Common Ethical Issues in Occupational Therapy PracticeAOTA-CORE — AOTA 2025 Core ValuesAOTA-DOCUMENTATION-BILLING — AOTA Advisory: Ethical Documentation and Billing PracticesAOTA-EQUITY-ACCESS — AOTA Advisory: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in OT EthicsAOTA-ETHICS-COMMISSION — AOTA Ethics Commission: Role and ResourcesAOTA-P1 — Principle 1: BeneficenceAOTA-P2 — Principle 2: NonmaleficenceAOTA-P3 — Principle 3: Autonomy
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