Standards of Practice
Code of Ethics for Activity Professionals
Preamble:
The National Association of Activity Professionals and its members are dedicated to providing activity services and programs, which meet the unique needs and interests of the individuals we serve. Principles:
Conduct
The Activity Professional shall maintain high standards of personal conduct and professional integrity at all times. The Activity Professional shall treat colleagues with professional courtesy and ensure that credit is given to others for use o their ideas, materials, and programs. The Activity Professional shall obey the Bylaws and Code of Ethics governing all professional associations to which he/she belongs.
Dignity/Rights
Dignity/Rights The Activity Professional shall treat the clients/residents, members of the interdisciplinary team, and professional peers with regard towards personal dignity at all times. The Activity Professional shall respect and protect the rights -- civil, legal and human -- of the clients/residents members of the interdisciplinary team, and professional peers at all times. The Activity Professional shall work through appropriate channels to protect the rights of clients/residents and report abuse and exploitation.
Confidentiality
The Activity Professional shall treat any information about clients/residents, members of the interdisciplinary team, and professional peers as confidential. Information about clients/residents that must be shared with members of the interdisciplinary team and volunteers in the course of care shall be exchanged in a professional manner.
Empowerment
The Activity Professional shall enable clients/residents to participate in the planning and implementation of their care, as well as making independent medical, legal, and financial decisions.
Participation
The Activity Professional shall enable clients/residents to maximize their potential in activity participation through adaptation, cues/prompts, protection from undue interruption, and assistance in rescheduling of other events that may interfere with the client's/resident's ability to participate in activities of their choice.
Record Keeping
The Activity Professional shall maintain client/resident records in an accurate, confidential, and timely manner. The Activity Professional shall follow facility policies and procedures in the formatting of such records. In the absence of facility policy the appropriate state and/or federal guidelines shall be followed.
Professional
The Activity Professional shall participate in continuing education opportunities, strive for professional competence and excellence in all matters, ensure accurate resumes, and differentiate between personal comments/actions and official NAAP positions.
Supervisory
The Activity Professional shall treat persons he/she may supervise with dignity and respect, protect their rights, and provide accurate and fair evaluations.
Communication
The Activity Professional shall strive to maintain open channels of communication with administration, other departments, families, clients/residents, and professional peers. The Activity Professional shall strive for accurate and truthful communication in all interactions.
Provision of Services
The Activity Professional shall provide programs -- regardless of race, religion (or absence thereof), ethnic origin, social or marital status, sex or sexual orientation, age, health status, or payment source -- which assist the client/resident in achieving and maintaining the highest practicable level of physical, intellectual, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Legal
The Activity Professional shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding the provision of services. The Activity Professional shall comply with and uphold the Bylaws and Code of Ethics set forth by his/her professional associations.
Professional Association(s)
The Activity Professional shall comply with the bylaws, policies and procedures, Standards, and Code of Ethics of the professional association(s) to which he/she belongs.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, April 1996, Orlando, Florida
Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 3, 2006, Reno Nevada
Copyrighted. To be used only with permission