Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics (2020) 1.2: 1.2 Professional conduct

The speech pathologist provides safe, quality services. They: take due care and skill and attend to detail; answer for services that benefit clients and communities; maintain fitting service delivery policies and procedures and follow them; communicate those policies and procedures responsively and promptly; explain clearly and keep undertakings to clients and other stakeholders; deliver services only where a clinical need exists and do not directly or indirectly encourage unnecessary or indiscriminate use of them; make appropriate, timely referrals so clients receive comprehensive services; keep clinical and administrative records complete, accurate and up to date; follow SPA's current practice guidelines; describe their qualifications, experience and standards truthfully and fairly; use independent professional judgement; and do not present personal views as those of SPA, the profession or their employer. They treat colleagues, other health professionals and others courteously and professionally. Where an employer's policies or codes conflict with professional values, codes and standards, they seek change or resolution through proper channels and may confidentially seek SPA's support if that fails. They obtain express permission to use material or original work that others own or created, and acknowledge others' contributions and sources. To uphold the profession's reputation and avoid disrepute they: do not deliver services that research shows are ineffective or harmful; keep commitments made explicitly or implicitly; do not run down colleagues, the profession or SPA (their skills, knowledge, services or activities) in any communication unless there is substantial evidence or good reason; and avoid activities that bear on, or could harm, their professional role.