What Should the COTA do?

1. Stakeholders

1.1. Client

1.2. Occupational Therapist (OT)

1.3. Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

1.4. Health Care Team Members

2. COTA observes her OT supervisor developing a trusting and friendly relationship with a client who is being treated in acute care for Bipolar disorder. The COTA's supervisor even told her she recognizes the client but can't remember where she saw her. The OT supervisor and client start to make plans outside of therapy. The COTA notices how much progress the client has made and truly believe it is a result of the caring bond she has developed with the OT supervisor. COTA feels the relationship is OK, but knows becoming involved with patients is frowned upon and discouraged by the administration of the facility.

3. Core Values

3.1. Truth

3.2. Dignity

4. Staying Quiet

4.1. Cons

4.1.1. Violation of Code of Ethics as an OT

4.1.2. Going against policies at the care facility

4.1.3. Putting client at risk with their mental health

4.2. Pros

4.2.1. Client continues to improve and make progress in therapy

4.2.2. Treatment is centered around the client.

5. Taking Action

5.1. Cons

5.1.1. OT may become uncertified

5.2. Pros

5.2.1. Ethical Principles

5.2.1.1. Beneficence

5.2.1.2. Fidelity

5.2.2. Following professional rules

5.2.3. Defines meaningfulness of work activities

6. vs