Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Occupational Therapists

Abstract

The Health Act 1999 bestows the status of a profession on occupational therapy which automatically carries the statutory requirement to regulate professional practice for the protection of clients. The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Occupational Therapists (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Code’) is produced by the College of Occupational Therapists (hereinafter referred to as ‘the College’) for and on behalf of the British Association of Occupational Therapists, the central organisation for occupational therapists throughout the United Kingdom. The College of Occupational Therapists is the subsidiary organisation, with delegated responsibility for the promotion of good practice and the prevention of malpractice. The title ‘state registered occupational therapist’ is protected by law and can only be used by persons who have successfully completed a validated course leading to a diploma or degree in occupational therapy and who are eligible for state registration.