Every healthcare profession carries ethical obligations and responsibilities that guide conduct and ensure members act with integrity. With the ideals, standards and principles set forth by the Association in the Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct, Certified Athletic Therapists assume the responsibility to adhere to these goals and rules to build and preserve a trustworthy relationship between a Certified AT and their client. To both CATA members and the public, the Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct are checks and balances to keep the public safe.
While ethics is an important aspect of the profession, it doesn’t often take the spotlight unless there’s an issue. So this month, we spoke to Certified Athletic Therapist, and Chairperson of the CATA Ethics Committee, Laura Leslie, about the importance of CATA’s Code of Ethics.
Why is an awareness of the Code of Ethics so important?
At the baseline, it is every Certified AT’s responsibility to understand the Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct policies that govern an athletic therapist's practice. The Code of Ethics is in place to protect both the Certified Athletic Therapist and their clients.
What happens if a Certified Athletic Therapist fails to meet all the ideals outlined in the Code of Ethics?
When a complaint is filed against a Certified AT, it enters a process to determine if that complaint is warranted.
First, the complaint is processed by the Ethics Administrator as an official complaint. Next, the complaint is reviewed by a 3-person panel of the Ethics Advisory Committee (EAC). If the EAC determines from the facts provided in the complaint that it warrants an investigation, the complaint is forwarded to a 3-person Investigation Committee (IC) panel. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the case is either closed or the case moves forward to a judicial hearing which will decide the penalty.
What should someone do if they witness a violation of the code of ethics?
Submit a complaint on the CATA website under the Ethics tab. This complaint would then follow the above procedures. If there is any concern about a member’s conduct then the Ethics portal and submission of a complaint is the best approach.
What is unique about the code of ethics set out by CATA?
CATA’s Code of Ethics has evolved over the years and reflects similar codes in other allied healthcare professions such as physiotherapy, kinesiology and occupational therapy, among others. However, CATA has a national code of ethics and conduct that applies to all Certified ATs in all provinces and territories instead of something at the provincial level.
It’s important to remain vigilant and use the guidance of the Code of Ethics to keep you, your profession, and your clients safe. To learn more about the CATA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct or to file a complaint, visit the link here.
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