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AOTA-S2 — Standards of Conduct 2: Therapeutic Relationships

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

What does AOTA-S2 say?

Occupational therapy personnel develop therapeutic relationships to promote occupational well-being in all persons, groups, organizations, and society, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, origin, socioeconomic status, degree of ability, or any other status or attributes. Standards include: 2A. Do not engage in actions that inflict or threaten to inflict injury or harm (physical, psychosocial, or existential) to recipients of occupational therapy services, students, research participants, colleagues, and employees. 2B. Establish a collaborative relationship with recipients of service that honors and promotes shared decision-making, service recipient autonomy, culture or identity, and service recipient well-being. 2C-2E. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries; do not exploit any relationship; recognize and take appropriate action regarding personal problems and limitations that might cause harm.

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