ASA Code Of Ethics Case Study

For a Speech Language Pathologist in the school system, the normal caseload is around 30 children full time. However, as a clinician in a rural school district with few other Speech Language Pathologist, their case load is greater than 60 children being seen full time. With this scenario, the clinician and their supervisors could be violating several Principles and Rules of the ASHA Code of Ethics. The ASHA Code of Ethics is defined as a guide for professionals in the field to help with their decision making to make sure they are using professional conduct (AHSA, 2016). The Code of Ethics is make up of four main Principles with several rules following each Principle. This paper will address the Principles and rules that are being violated in this scenario.

One could already see how this rule is being violated in this scenario as with a caseload of that size, there is no way that the client’s welfare and treatment is being put first. The mindset of the clinician becomes where can I put the client in my schedule rather than what can I accomplish with the client. The main rule that is being violate here is rule C which states that the clinician must use every resource possible to ensure that quality services are being provided. This includes using referral or collaboration with other professionals (ASHA, 2016). A solution that the clinician could use in this situation would be referring a few clients to another professional who has a lighter case load or bringing their caseload to the supervisor attention, informing the supervisor that changes need to be done as to abide by the Code of