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AOTA-SCOPE — AOTA Scope of Practice: Occupational Therapy

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

What does AOTA-SCOPE say?

Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. The scope of occupational therapy practice includes evaluation, intervention, and outcomes related to: activities of daily living (ADLs); instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs); health management; rest and sleep; education; work; play; leisure; and social participation. Occupational therapy practitioners use therapeutic use of occupations and activities, preparatory methods and tasks, education and training, group interventions, advocacy, and self-advocacy to help clients achieve their goals. Practice settings include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, community settings, home health, mental health, and private practice.

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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