What do occupational therapists have legal and ethical responsibility to abide by?

• A. All Laws, Rules, and the AOTA Code of Ethics
• B. Only State Statutes
• C. Individual Professional Opinions
• D. Hospital Policies Alone

Answer: (A)

Occupational therapists must follow both the law and professional ethical standards in their practice. This means complying with all applicable laws, rules, and licensing requirements at the state and, when relevant, federal level, as well as adhering to the professional ethics framework provided by the AOTA Code of Ethics and its guidance. Together, these establish the boundaries for safe, competent, and principled care and hold practitioners accountable to both legal obligations and the profession’s aspirational standards. In daily practice, this covers things like informed consent, confidentiality, client autonomy, nonmaleficence and beneficence, justice, and fidelity, all within the appropriate scope of practice. Hospital policies are important and guide day-to-day operations, but they do not replace the overarching legal and ethical commitments. Individual opinions do not carry binding authority and cannot override laws or the Code of Ethics.