We must begin to take the time and the effort to examine our work setting and our actions as speech-language pathologists. If we do not, we allow someone else to dictate our ethics. If you believe that by being a speech-language pathologist you have an obligation to act ethically, then you have a moral obligation to know the code of ethics and how to utilize it when making work-related decisions. This does not mean you blindly follow its dictates; it means you examine your decision in light of your personal ethics, society's rules (including the Code), and the situation. If there is conflict you must determine how to resolve the dilemma and adhere to your personal values.
THE COMPLEXITY OF EVERYDAY ETHICS.
Everyday ethics is an often-used phrase that refers to the kinds of values-based decisions aging services professionals have to make daily, such as how to accommodate an individual's need for personal autonomy and privacy in a group setting. With the variety and complexity of issues facing housing, health care and service providers today, there remains a need to reflect on the underlying values and principles. An issue may be bioethical in nature, such as nutrition and hydration decisions in the nursing home, or corporate, such as how to make the best use of scarce resources in a housing facility. .
Whatever the issue or its nature, a process for ethical reflection and deliberation can help decision makers see the values side of each option and perhaps come to closure, or at least know most, if not all, sides of the issue. The process of ethical decision-making may not always lead to a final, "best- decision on an issue, but it can certainly help guide the way.
Role of the Ethics Committee .
Importantly, the ethical decision-making process requires group input. This may include staff, residents, family, other health care providers, a chaplain or others. If you do not have an ethics committee, you can certainly convene an informal group to handle such issues on an ad hoc basis.
