Iowa Code r. 481-806.1 - Code of ethics for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants

(1) Occupational therapy. The practice of occupational therapy minimally consists of:

a. Interpreting referrals;

b. Evaluating patients;

c. Identifying and documenting patient problems and goals;

d. Establishing and documenting a plan of care;

e. Providing treatment;

f. Determining the appropriate portions of the treatment program to be delegated to assistive personnel;

g. Supervising individuals as described in rule 481-806.5 (272C);

h. Providing timely patient reevaluation;

i. Maintaining timely and adequate patient records consistent with the standards found in rule 481-806.2 (147).

(2) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant should:

a. Not practice outside the scope of the license;

b. Not perform a treatment procedure that is inadvisable or contraindicated;

c. Not continue treatment beyond the point of possible benefit to the patient or treat a patient more frequently than necessary to obtain maximum therapeutic effect;

d. Not directly or indirectly request, receive, or participate in the dividing, transferring, assigning, rebating, or refunding of an unearned fee;

e. Not profit by means of credit or other valuable consideration as an unearned commission, discount, or gratuity in connection with the furnishing of occupational therapy services;

f. Not obtain payment through fraudulent means. Obtaining payment through fraudulent means includes but is not limited to:

(1) Reporting incorrect treatment dates for the purpose of obtaining payment;

(2) Reporting charges for services not rendered;

(3) Incorrectly reporting services rendered for the purpose of obtaining payment that is greater than that to which the licensee is entitled; or

(4) Aiding a patient in fraudulently obtaining payment;

g. Not exercise undue influence on patients to purchase equipment, products, or supplies from a company in which the occupational therapist owns stock or has any other direct or indirect financial interest;

h. Not permit another person to use the therapist's license for any purpose;

i. Not verbally or physically abuse a patient or client;

j. Not engage in sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct includes the following:

(1) Engaging in or soliciting a sexual relationship, whether consensual or nonconsensual, with a patient or client;

(2) Making sexual advances, requesting sexual favors, or engaging in other verbal conduct or physical contact of a sexual nature with a patient or client;

k. Follow the standards for supervision found in rule 481-806.4 (272C);

l. Not perform a task or service for which the therapist lacks the skill, knowledge or competence. In such a case, the therapist should either refuse to perform the task or service and/or arrange for a professionally qualified licensed practitioner to perform the task or service;

m. Sign the occupational therapy treatment record to indicate that the occupational therapy services were provided in accordance with the rules and regulations for practicing as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.

Notes

Iowa Code r. 481-806.1

ARC 7984C, IAB 5/15/24, effective 7/1/24; Editorial change: IAC Supplement 9/18/24

ARC 7984C, IAB 5/15/2024, effective 7/1/2024; Editorial change: IAC Supplement 9/18/2024