Occupational Therapy Ethical Dilemma Essay

This essay explains a classical example of an ethical dilemma that can be encountered when practicing as an occupational and physical therapist. It involves an 85 year old female covered by Medicare who was receiving treatment at home. The ethical dilemma was triggered due to several factors such as the expectations of the client (client/ consumer rights), organisational expectations (employer, governmental and payer-source regulations) and my own personal values (one's moral principles, social responsibilities, sense of professional duty) and how they all interact with each other. The ethical dilemma in the case discussed below involved whether or not to continue treating a client who undoubtedly needed occupational therapy services based on medical necessity, yet the payer-source (Medicare) coverage conditions for services to be delivered at home was questionable. This essay highlights the various ethical theories and resolutions involved in the ethical dilemma. Decisions taken were derived from; The Australian Association of Occupational Therapist code of ethics (2001)

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) under autonomy and confidentiality principle 3, described autonomy as a duty to treat the client according to the client’s desire. According to Beauchamp & Childress, 2009, Autonomy is based on a person’s right to hold views, to make choices, and to take actions based on personal values and beliefs. Autonomy in this scenario, gives the client (Ms TE) the right based on her self determination to receive occupational therapy at home while still respecting her personal rights and values which was visiting her