 |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
American
Music Therapy Association, Inc. |
|
|||
 |
|
|
||
|
||
|
Preamble The members of the American Music Therapy Association, Inc., hereby recognize and publicly accept the proposition that the fundamental purposes of the profession are the progressive development of the use of music to accomplish therapeutic aims and the advancement of training, education, and research in music therapy. Our objectives are to determine and utilize music therapy approaches that effectively aid in the restoration, maintenance, and improvement in mental and physical health. To that end, we believe in the dignity and worth of every person. We promote the use of music in therapy, establish and maintain high standards in public service, and require of ourselves the utmost in ethical conduct. This Code of Ethics is applicable to all those holding the MT-BC credential or a professional designation of the National Music Therapy Registry and professional membership in the American Music Therapy Association. This Code is also applicable to music therapy students and interns under clinical supervision. We shall not use our professional positions or relationships, nor permit ourselves or our services to be used by others for purposes inconsistent with the principles set forth in this document. Upholding our right to freedom of inquiry and communication, we accept the responsibilities inherent in such freedom: competency, objectivity, consistency, integrity, and continual concern for the best interests of society and our profession. Therefore, we collectively and individually affirm the following declarations of professional conduct.
institutional policies prevent fulfillment of this obligation, the MT attempts to correct the situation to the extent feasible. 2.0 General Standards 2.1 The MT will strive for the highest standards in his/her work, offering the highest quality of services to clients/students. 2.2 The MT will use procedures that conform with his/her interpretation of the Standards of Clinical Practice of the American Music Therapy Association, Inc. 2.3 Moral and Legal Standards
3.0 Relationships with Clients/Students/Research Subjects 3.1 The welfare of the client will be of utmost importance to the MT. 3.2 The MT will protect the rights of the individuals with whom he/she works. These rights will include, but are not limited to the following:
3.3 The MT will not discriminate in relationships with clients/students/research subjects because of race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status or political affiliation. 3.4 The MT will not exploit clients/students/research subjects sexually, physically, financially or emotionally. 3.5 The MT will not enter into dual relationships with clients/students/research subjects and will avoid those situations that interfere with professional judgment or objectivity (e.g., those involving competitive and/or conflicting interests) in their relationships. 3.6 The MT will exert caution in predicting the results of services offered, although a reasonable statement of prognosis and/or progress may be made. The MT will make only those claims to clients concerning the efficacy of services that would be willingly submitted for professional scrutiny through peer review, publication in a professional journal, or documentation in the client's record. 3.7 The MT will offer music therapy services only in the context of a professional relationship and in a setting which insures safety and protection for both client and therapist. The MT will avoid deception in representations of music therapy to the public. 3.8 The MT will inform the client and/or guardian as to the purpose, nature, and effects of assessment and treatment. 3.9 The MT will use every available resource to serve the client best. 3.10 The MT will utilize the profession's Standards of Practice as a guideline in accepting or declining referrals or requests for services, as well as in terminating or referring clients when the client no longer benefits from the therapeutic relationship. 3.11 In those emerging areas of practice for which generally recognized standards are not yet defined, the MT will nevertheless utilize cautious judgment and will take reasonable steps to ensure the competence of his/her work, as well as to protect clients, students, and research subjects from harm. 3.12 Confidentiality
4.0 Relationships with Colleagues 4.1 The MT acts with integrity in regard to colleagues in music therapy and other professions and will cooperate with them whenever appropriate. 4.2 The MT will not offer professional services to a person receiving music therapy from another music therapist except by agreement with that therapist or after termination of the client's relationship with that therapist. 4.3 The MT will attempt to establish harmonious relations with members from other professions and professional organizations and will not damage the professional reputation or practice of others. 4.4 The MT will share with other members of the treatment team information concerning evaluative and therapeutic goals and procedures used. 5.0 Relationship with Employers 5.1 The MT will observe the regulations, policies, and procedures of employers with the exception of those that are in violation of this code of ethics. 5.2 The MT will inform employers of conditions that may limit the effectiveness of the services being rendered. 5.3 When representing the employer or agency, the MT will differentiate personal views from those of the profession, the employer, and the agency. 5.4 The MT will provide services in an ethical manner and will protect the property, integrity, and reputation of the employing agency. 5.5 The MT will utilize the agency's facilities and resources only as authorized. 5.6 The MT will not use his/her position to obtain clients for private practice, unless authorized to do so by the employing agency. 6.0 Responsibility to Community/Public 6.1 The MT will strive to increase public awareness of music therapy. 6.2 The MT engaged in a private practice or business will abide by federal, state and local regulations relevant to self-employment including but not limited to professional liability, registering and maintaining a business, tax codes and liability, confidentiality and reimbursement. 7.0 Responsibility to the Profession/Association 7.1 The MT respects the rights, rules, and reputation of his/her professional association. 7.2 The MT will distinguish personal from professional views when acting on behalf of his/her association. The MT will represent the association only with appropriate authorization. 7.3 The MT will strive to increase the level of knowledge, skills, and research within the profession. 7.4 The MT will refrain from the misuse of an official position within the association. 7.5 The MT will exercise integrity and confidentiality when carrying out his/her official duties in the association. 8.0 Research 8.1 The MT establishes a precise agreement with research subjects prior to their participation in the study. In this agreement, the responsibilities and rights of all parties are explained, and written consent is obtained. The MT explains all aspects of the research that might influence the subject's willingness to participate, including all possible risks and benefits. The MT will avoid any deception in research. 8.2 Participation of subjects in music therapy research will be voluntary. To ensure ethical research practices, appropriate authorization will be obtained from the subjects involved (or specified and/or legal guardians) and the facility's Institutional Review Board or other similar consulting agency. The subject is free to refuse to participate or to withdraw from the research at any time without penalty or loss of services. 8.3 The MT is ultimately responsible for protecting the welfare of the research subjects, both during and after the study, in the event of aftereffects, and will take all precautions to avoid injurious psychological, physical, or social effects to the subjects. 8.4 The MT will store data, including written, audio, video, digital, or artistic media, in a secure location accessible to the researcher and authorized members of the research team. The researcher and authorized members of the research team will determine a set period of time after completion of the study by which all research data must be shredded or erased. The researcher or the research team may apply for a waiver allowing creation of a database given informed consent of participants. 8.5 The MT will be competent in his/her research efforts, being cognizant of his/her limits. 8.6 The MT will present his/her findings without distortion and in a manner that will not be misleading. 8.7 Publication Credit 8.7.1 Credit is assigned only to those who have contributed to a publication, in proportion to their contribution. 8.7.2 Major contributions of a professional nature made by several persons to a common project will be recognized by joint authorship. 8.7.3 Minor contributions such as editing or advising, will be recognized in footnotes or in an introductory statement. 8.7.4 Acknowledgment through specific citations will be made for unpublished as well as published material that has directly influenced the research or writing. 8.7.5 The MT who compiles and edits for publication the contribution of others will publish the symposium or report under the title of the committee or symposium, with the therapist's name appearing as chairperson or editor among those of the other contributors or committee members. 9.0 Fees and Commercial Activities 9.1 The MT accepts remuneration only for services actually rendered by himself or herself or under his or her supervision and only in accordance with professional standards that safeguard the best interest of clients and the profession. 9.2 The MT will not take financial advantage of a client. The MT will take into account the client's ability to pay. Financial considerations are secondary to the client's welfare. 9.3 Private fees may not be accepted or charged for services when the MT receives remuneration for these services by the agency. 9.4 No gratuities, gifts or favors should be accepted from clients that could interfere with the MT's decisions or judgments. 9.5 Referral sources may not receive a commission fee, or privilege for making referrals (fee-splitting). 9.6 The MT will not engage in commercial activities that conflict with responsibilities to clients or colleagues. 9.7 The materials or products dispensed to clients should be in the client's best interest, with the client's having the freedom of choice. The MT will not profit from the sale of equipment/materials to clients. Charges for any materials will be separate from the bill for services. 10.0 Announcing Services 10.1 The MT will adhere to professional rather than commercial standards in making known his or her availability for professional services. The MT will offer music therapy services only in a manner that neither discredits the profession nor decreases the trust of the public in the profession. 10.2 The MT will not solicit clients of other MT's. 10.3 The MT will make every effort to ensure that public information materials are accurate and complete in reference to professional services and facilities. 10.4 The MT will avoid the following in announcing services: misleading or deceptive advertising, misrepresentation of specialty, guarantees or false expectations, and the use of the Association's logo. 10.5 The MT will differentiate between private practice and private music studio in announcing services. 10.6 The following materials may be used in announcing services (all of which must be dignified in appearance and content): announcement cards, brochures, letterhead, business cards and the internet. The MT may include the following on these materials: name, title, degrees, schools, dates, certification, location, hours, contact information, and an indication of the nature of the services offered. 10.7 Announcing services through the mail (to other professionals), a listing in the telephone directory, or the internet (i.e., email, website) are acceptable. No advertisement or announcement will be rendered in a manner that will be untruthful and/or deceive the public. 11.0 Education (Teaching, Supervision, Administration) 11.1 The MT involved in teaching establishes a program combining academic, research, clinical, and ethical aspects of practice. The program will include a wide range of methods and exposure to and application of current literature. 11.2 The MT involved in education and/or supervision will use his/her skill to help others acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to perform with high standards of professional competence. 11.3 Theory and methods will be consistent with recent advances in music therapy and related health fields. The MT involved in education will teach new techniques or areas of study only after first undertaking appropriate training, supervision, study, and/or consultation from persons who are competent in those areas or techniques. 11.4 The MT involved in the education of students and internship training will ensure that clinical work performed by students is rendered under adequate supervision by other music therapists, other professionals, and/or the MT educator. 11.5 The MT involved in education and/or supervision will evaluate the competencies of students as required by good educational practices and will identify those students whose limitations impede performance as a competent music therapist. The MT will recommend only those students for internship or membership whom he/she feels will perform as competent music therapists and who meet the academic, clinical, and ethical expectations of the American Music Therapy Association, Inc. 11.6 The MT involved in the education of students and internship training will serve as an exemplary role model in regard to ethical conduct and the enforcement of the Code of Ethics. 11.7 The MT involved in education and training will ensure that students and interns operate under the same ethical standards that govern professionals. 12.0 Implementation 12.1 Confronting Ethical Issues
12.2 Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations
12.3 Formal Resolution of Ethical Violations
12.4 Group Grievances
12.5 Corrective Actions
|
||
