CODE OF ETHICS
The preservation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical practice are vital to the responsible discharge of obligations in the profession of Audiometry. This Code of Ethics sets the fundamental principles and rules considered essential to this purpose. Every individual who is a Member of the Society agrees to abide by this Code of Ethics. Any action by a member that is seen to violate the purpose of the Code shall be considered unethical and may be subject to peer review.
Principles of Ethics form the underlying moral basis for the Code of Ethics.
Rules of Ethics are the specific statements of acceptable professional conduct and are applicable to all individuals who are members of the Society.
Principle 1
Members shall honour their responsibility to hold paramount the welfare of the persons they serve professionally, the client.
Rules of Ethics
- Members shall provide all services competently.
- Members shall use every resource, including referral when appropriate, to ensure that high quality services are provided to all clients.
- Members shall not discriminate in the delivery of professional services to clients on the basis of any form of cultural or social diversity.
- Members shall provide services or dispense products, only when benefit can be reasonably expected and where the client and/or carer is participating in the decision making based on accurate, concise information.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of services rendered and of products prescribed should be undertaken according to current industry standards.
- Members shall not evaluate or manage hearing disorders solely by correspondence. eg. provision of hearing devices via internet sales.
- Members shall maintain concise and up to date clinical records.
- Reports or documents signed by hearing health care practitioners in their professional capacity must be accurate in all details. Fact and expression of opinion must be clearly differentiated.
- Clients must be provided with a copy of any relevant report on request.
- It is acceptable to employ non-member staff to conduct certain tests or procedures provided they are competent to carry out those duties. In these circumstances the non-member is to be bound by the HAASA Code of Ethics and the member will maintain full responsibility for the client’s welfare.
- Members must adhere to current State and Federal information privacy laws and principles.
- Members should determine clinical fees without influence from other parties. Fees charged should at all times be fair and reasonable with clients being offered information regarding the likely cost of treatment before proceeding.
- Members must adhere to recognised hygiene and sterilisation techniques.
Principle 2
Members shall honour their responsibility to achieve and maintain the highest level of professional competence.
Rules of Ethics
- Members shall engage in only those aspects of the profession that are within the scope of their training and competence.
- Members shall continue their professional development by participating in a diverse range of hearing health industry educational programmes throughout their career in accordance with the Society’s requirements of membership.
- Members shall prohibit any of their staff from providing services that exceed the staff member’s competence, considering the staff member’s defined employment role within the organisation and/or current level of clinical training.
- Members shall ensure that all equipment used in the provision of services is in proper working order, annually calibrated, and kept hygienically clean.
Principle 3
Members shall honour their responsibility to the public by promoting public understanding of the profession and by providing accurate information in all communications involving any aspect of the profession.
Rules of Ethics
- Members shall not misrepresent their level of professional qualifications, or industry experience.
- Members’statements to the public shall provide accurate information about the nature and management of hearing impairment.
- Members’statements to the public via any form of advertising or promotion shall adhere to professional standards and shall not contain misrepresentations.
Principle 4
Members shall honour their responsibilities to the profession of Audiometry.
Rules of Ethics
- Members shall prohibit anyone under their supervision from engaging in any practice that violates the Code of Ethics.
- Members shall not engage in dishonesty, misrepresentation or any form of conduct that adversely reflects on the profession of Audiometry or any member’s suitability to provide professional hearing services.
- Members shall not participate in activities that constitute a conflict of interest.
- Members who have reason to believe that the Code of Ethics may have been violated shall inform the Ethics Committee and maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Members shall cooperate fully with any review conducted by the Peer Review Committee related to this Code of Ethics.
- Members shall at all times respect and maintain good relations with members of the hearing health care profession and other professions and encourage the exchange of information for the continued benefit of practitioners and clients.
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