ASHA-IIE-COMPETITION — ASHA Issues in Ethics: Competition in Professional Practice (2025)
What does ASHA-IIE-COMPETITION say?
Competition among SLPs and audiologists for clients and business is expected but must remain ethical. Key guidance: (1) Marketing services must be truthful and not misleading about qualifications, experience, or outcomes. (2) Disparaging competitors' services or credentials violates the Code of Ethics. (3) Fee-setting should be fair and transparent; significant undercutting to drive competitors out may raise ethical concerns if quality is compromised. (4) Soliciting clients from another practitioner by making unfounded negative claims about that practitioner's services is unethical. (5) Non-compete agreements should be reasonable and not restrict client access to needed services. (6) Product endorsements or dispensing arrangements must prioritize client welfare over financial gain. (7) When competing for contracts (e.g., school districts, healthcare facilities), all representations must be accurate. (8) Advertising must comply with state licensure board regulations. Relevant Code sections: Principle III Rules A, E, F (honesty in public statements, accurate information); Principle IV Rules A, C, D (collegial relationships, no discrimination, no disparagement).
Official source: read the full text in the ASHA Code of Ethics (2023) (official document).