Course Code: REL-RTS-0-EJMO
Hours: 2
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026
Learning Objectives:
Identify the Core Values, Ethical Principles, and Standards of Conduct outlined in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Code of Ethics and how they apply to professional practice.
Recall the steps of the Realms-Individual Process-Situation (RIPS) Model to resolve ethical dilemmas.
Identify key provisions of Massachusetts General Laws that govern the licensure and practice of occupational therapy (M.G.L. c. 112).
Apply relevant sections of 259 CMR to occupational therapy practice in Massachusetts.
Outline:
Section 1: Ethics in Healthcare: An Overview
Ethics in Practice: Foundational Overview
Why This Matters
Morals, Ethics, and Laws
What Is an Ethical Dilemma?
Ethical Issues
Ethical Dilemmas
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 2: AOTA Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics: Introduction and Core Values
Core Values
Knowledge Check: Josh and Dana
Ethical Principles
Nonmaleficence
Beneficence
Autonomy
Justice
Veracity
Fidelity
Case Scenario: Olivia
Standards of Conduct
Professional Integrity, Responsibility, and Accountability
Therapeutic Relationships
Documentation, Reimbursement, and Financial Matters
Service Delivery
Professional Competence, Education, Supervision, and Training
Communication
Professional Civility
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Building Ethical Competence and Managing Outcomes
Developing Ethical Competence
Self-Reflection and Bias Awareness
Knowledge Check
Handling the Outcome
Managing Moral Distress
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 4: RIPS Model for Ethical Decision Making
Realms-Individual Process-Situation (RIPS) Model
RIPS Model
Case Example: Gia and Jim
Step 1. Identify the problem.
Step 2. Identify related issues.
Step 3. Review ethical codes and applicable laws and regulations.
Step 4. Obtain consultation if necessary.
Step 5. Consider possible courses of action.
Step 6. Enumerate the consequences of each decision.
Step 7. Decide on the best course of action.
Step 8. Review the outcomes.
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 5: MA General Laws (M.G.L. c. 112)
MA Laws and Regulations: Overview
The Board (M.G.L. c. 13, § 11A)
Occupational Therapy Definition (M.G.L. c. 112, § 23A)
Title Protection (M.G.L. c. 112, § 23O)
Licensure Requirements and Related Provisions
Initial Licensure Requirements
License Renewal (M.G.L. c. 112, § 23B)
Exemptions (M.G.L. c. 112, § 23E)
Board Enforcement and Oversight
Disciplinary Actions (M.G.L. c. 112, § 23K)
Practice Setting Oversight (M.G.L. c. 112, § 23M½)
Additional Legal Framework (M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 61–65E)
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 6: Code of Regulations (259 CMR 2.00 and 3.00)
CMR: Introduction
Licensing Process (259 CMR 2.02)
Licensure by Examination
Licensure by Endorsement
Foreign-Educated Applicants
License Renewal and Reinstatement
Renewal (CMR 2.04)
Reinstatement of a Lapsed/Expired License (CMR 2.05)
Cooperation With the Board (CMR 2.06)
Personnel Roles and Responsibilities (259 CMR 3.00)
OTs
OTAs
Occupational Therapy Aides
Students
Supervision (CMR 3.05)
Number of Supervisees
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 7: Continuing Competence (CMR 7.00)
Continuing Competence Requirements
Approved Activities
Documentation of Activities
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 8: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Writer: Ann Elsasser-Root PT, DPT
Ann Elsasser-Root holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Geriatric Clinical Specialist with experience in multiple care settings, including skilled nursing, independent living, inpatient rehab, and outpatient orthopedic and neurology. Ann is most passionate about treating older adults to improve their quality of life and maximize functional independence. As a curriculum designer for Relias, she enjoys combining her clinical knowledge with her interest in research and staying up to date with changes and advances in the field of rehabilitation.
Subject Matter Expert: Randal Fedoruk, PP-OTD, OTR/L
Randal Fedoruk holds a post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He is a professor and program director for a Master’s in Occupational Therapy program. Randal specializes in pediatric occupational therapy and has worked in multiple settings, including outpatient, early intervention, and school systems. He currently owns and operates two private outpatient pediatric clinics. Randal enjoys maintaining a healthy balance between teaching and clinical practice and is dedicated to both educating future clinicians and providing evidence-based interventions to the clients he serves. His research interests include the use of virtual reality both in education and pediatric occupational therapy practice.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Introductory level Occupational Therapist; Introductory level Physical Therapist Assistant; in the following settings: Assisted Living Facility, Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Home Health Agencies, Hospitals: Acute, Rehabilitation Settings, Skilled Nursing Facility.
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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.