Are there penalties for members who refuse to adhere to the Code, or is adherence optional?
The Code of Ethics is not simply inspirational in nature; it is essential to ensuring the welfare of those served and protecting the integrity and reputation of the professions. As a consequence, ASHA members and certificate holders are required to abide by the code’s principles and rules, and the Association enforces that mandate by sanctioning those found in violation. Depending on the egregiousness of the misconduct, the sanctions that the Board of Ethics can impose range from a confidential reprimand for lesser violations to revocation of ASHA membership and certification for a period of years, up to life, for violations of a serious nature.
