ALTA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Flashcards

A CALT is approached in the school cafeteria by a teacher who does not work directly with one of the therapist's students. The teacher asks, "How is Johnny's reading coming along? I heard he has dyslexia." What is the most ethical response?

Answer: State that due to confidentiality policies, you cannot discuss any student's information.

The ALTA Code of Ethics requires therapists to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all student information, including diagnosis and progress. Discussing a student with unauthorized individuals is a direct violation of this principle. The correct action is to politely and firmly state that you cannot share the information.

A CALT who specializes in elementary-aged students is asked to provide therapy for a high schooler with a complex language disorder co-occurring with dysgraphia, an area where the therapist has no specific training. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Refer the family to a professional with the appropriate expertise and training.

The ALTA Code of Ethics mandates that professionals practice only within their areas of competence as defined by their training and experience. When a client's needs fall outside this scope, the ethical responsibility is to refer them to a qualified professional. This ensures the client receives the most effective services.

When creating a brochure for their private practice, which statement would be considered the most ethical and professionally responsible for a CALT to include?

Answer: "Utilizing evidence-based, multisensory methods to improve reading and spelling skills."

Professionals must represent their services, qualifications, and potential outcomes truthfully and without exaggeration. Promising a "cure" or guaranteeing specific results is unethical. The most ethical statement accurately describes the methodology used without making unsubstantiated claims.

A CALT learns that a colleague is consistently using outdated assessment tools and is not individualizing lesson plans according to student data. What is the CALT's primary ethical responsibility?

Answer: Discuss the concerns directly and privately with the colleague in a supportive manner.

The ALTA Code of Ethics encourages professionals to uphold the standards of the profession. When a colleague's conduct is questionable, the recommended first step is often to address the concern with them directly and constructively. This provides an opportunity for correction before escalating the issue to a supervisor or a disciplinary board.

The parent of a student offers you a significant monetary gift at the end of the year, stating how grateful they are for your work. According to the ALTA Code of Ethics, what should you do?

Answer: Politely decline, explaining that professional ethics prohibit accepting significant gifts to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Accepting significant gifts from clients can create a dual relationship and a conflict of interest, which could impair professional judgment. The ALTA Code of Ethics requires therapists to avoid such situations. The most professional response is to politely decline while explaining the ethical boundaries of the therapeutic relationship.

Before beginning therapy, a CALT must ensure the parents have provided informed consent. Which of the following is NOT a required element of this process?

Answer: A written guarantee of the specific reading level the student will achieve.

Informed consent involves providing clients with all necessary information to make a decision about services, including fees, methods, and policies like confidentiality. However, it is unethical and impossible to guarantee specific outcomes. Promising a particular result is not part of, and is contrary to, the principles of informed consent.