Occupational Therapy Assistant Test Professional Ethics and Standards Flashcards

Which organization is responsible for certifying occupational therapy assistants in the United States?

Answer: NBCOT

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) administers the OTA certification exam and maintains certification standards.

An OTA discovers a colleague is falsifying patient documentation. According to the AOTA Code of Ethics, the OTA should FIRST:

Answer: Address the concern with the colleague or immediate supervisor

The AOTA Code of Ethics principle of Veracity requires OTAs to address suspected ethical violations through appropriate internal channels before escalating externally.

Under NBCOT certification standards, a COTA must complete how many professional development units (PDUs) every three years to maintain certification?

Answer: 24 PDUs

NBCOT requires 36 PDUs every three-year certification renewal cycle for COTAs to maintain their COTA credential.

Which ethical principle requires an OTA to act in the best interest of the patient, even when it conflicts with the OTA's personal preferences?

Answer: Beneficence

Beneficence obligates OT practitioners to promote the well-being of clients and take positive actions that benefit them.

An OTA working in a school setting is asked by a teacher to share a student's confidential therapy notes. The OTA should:

Answer: Verify that appropriate FERPA-compliant consent or need-to-know exists before sharing

In educational settings, FERPA governs student records, and OTAs must ensure proper authorization exists before disclosing therapy-related information.

The AOTA Code of Ethics principle of 'Fidelity' primarily requires OTA practitioners to:

Answer: Be honest and keep commitments to clients, colleagues, and the profession

Fidelity requires OT practitioners to be trustworthy, honor commitments, and maintain honesty in all professional relationships.