ASHA-PREAMBLE — ASHA Code of Ethics (2023): Preamble
What does ASHA-PREAMBLE say?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has been committed to a framework of common principles and standards of practice since ASHA's inception in 1925. This commitment was formalized in 1952 as the Association's first Code of Ethics. This code has been modified and adapted to reflect the current state of practice and to address evolving issues within the professions. The ASHA Code of Ethics reflects professional values and expectations for scientific and clinical practice. It is based on principles of duty, accountability, fairness, and responsibility and is intended to ensure the welfare of the consumer and to protect the reputation and integrity of the professions. The Code of Ethics is obligatory and disciplinary as well as aspirational and descriptive in that it defines the professional's role. The preservation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical principles is vital to the responsible discharge of obligations by audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists who serve as clinicians, educators, mentors, researchers, supervisors, and administrators. This Code of Ethics sets forth the fundamental principles and rules considered essential to this purpose and is applicable to: a member of ASHA holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence; a member of ASHA not holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence; a nonmember of ASHA holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence; an applicant for ASHA certification or for ASHA membership and certification. The four Principles of Ethics form the underlying philosophical basis for the Code of Ethics and are reflected in: (I) responsibility to persons served professionally and to research participants; (II) responsibility for one's professional competence; (III) responsibility to the public; and (IV) responsibility for professional relationships.
Official source: read the full text in the ASHA Code of Ethics (2023) (official document).