Earning certification requires not only demonstration of a core knowledge in assistive technology, but also a requirement to follow RESNA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which set forth the fundamental concepts for ethical practice. Violation of one or more can result in punitive action by the RESNA Professional Standards Board, who oversees the Certification Program

Earning certification requires not only demonstration of a core knowledge in assistive technology, but also a requirement to follow RESNA’s Standards of Practice, which set forth the fundamental concepts for ethical practice. Violation of one or more of the Code of Ethics or Standards of Practice can result in punitive action by the RESNA Professional Standards Board, who oversees the Certification Program.

The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice has been updated and will take effect on January 1, 2023. 

Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

Introduction

RESNA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice reflects the commitment of all RESNA members, certificants, and applicants for certification to the high standards of practice and ethics in the assistive technology field. RESNA’s Code and Standards benefits and protects the public, provides practice standards for the assistive technology field, and advances the duty of care for professionals in our industry. Compliance with the Code and Standards is a requirement of initial certification and recertification as it is critical to the integrity of the individuals who hold RESNA Credentials. Violations of the Code and Standards may subject a certified individual or a candidate for certification to discipline as outlined in the Ethics Policies and Procedures.

Code of Ethics

RESNA Code of Ethics are a public statement of principles used to promote and maintain high standards of conduct within the multidisciplinary profession of Assistive Technology. These are important to our profession because they promote and guide the professional practice of RESNA members, certificants, certificant candidates, and students who must:

1. Hold paramount the welfare of persons served professionally.
2. Practice only in their area(s) of competence.
3. Maintain the confidentiality of privileged or confidential information.
4. Disclose all conflicts of interest.
5. Know and comply with the laws, regulations, and policies that guide professional practice.
6. Act in a manner that positively reflects upon the assistive technology profession.

RESNA Standards of Practice for Assistive Technology Professionals

These Standards of Practice set forth fundamental concepts and rules considered essential to promote the highest ethical standards among individuals who evaluate, assess the need for, recommend, or provide assistive technology. In the discharge of their professional obligations the following principles and rules shall be observed.

I. Duties Owed to Consumers and the Public

Certificants and candidates for certification shall:

1. Keep paramount the welfare of those served professionally.
2. Not engage in fraud, dishonesty, misrepresentation, criminal activity, or any forms of conduct that adversely reflects on the field of assistive technology, or the ability to serve consumers professionally.
3. Not misrepresent their credentials, titles, role, or responsibilities in the field of assistive technology.
4. Respect consumers rights and not discriminate in the provision of services or supplies on the basis of impairment, diagnosis, disability, race, national origin, religion, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, primary language spoken, financial situation, or any other protected status.
5. Disclose to all stakeholders the role they serve in the provision of assistive technology services and devices, any financial interests, or professional affiliations that may be perceived to bias recommendations and recuse themself if the conflict is likely to impair judgement.
6. Inform consumers of their rights and responsibilities and promote their full participation in each phase of service.
7. Provide assistive technology recommendations which maximize outcomes and minimizes a consumer’s exposure to unreasonable risk.
8. Inform the consumer about device options and funding mechanisms, regardless of financial status or funding available, and provide consumer choice in the development of recommendations.
9. Maintain professional boundaries in relationships with consumers, their families, and caregivers discouraging any behavior that exploits the consumer’s trust.

II. Practice Standards for Working in Assistive Technology

Certificants and candidates for certification shall:

1. Verify a consumer’s needs by using direct assessment procedures.
2. Engage in only those services within the scope of their competence, level of education, experience, and training, recognize the limitations imposed by the extent of their personal skills in any professional area, and as listed in the Directory of Certified Professionals.
3. Abide by all laws, regulations, and policies that govern the provision of assistive technology products and services and provide consumers with the applicable information to make informed decisions.
4. Refer consumers to other professionals, including assistive technology professionals, or provide resources, when necessary to meet the consumers’ identified needs.
5. Work in a collaborative manner with all stakeholders.
6. Perform or participate in the steps of the assistive technology process, which may include assessment, evaluation, trial, simulation, recommendations, procurement, delivery, fitting, training, adjustments, repairs, and/or modifications.
7. Consider the consumer’s current, future, and potential emerging assistive technology needs when making recommendations.

III. Duties Owed to Companies and Affiliated Entities

Certificants and candidates for certification shall:

1. Document, within the appropriate records, the assistive technology evaluation, assessment, recommendations, services, or products provided.
2. Preserve consumer privacy and confidentiality.
3. Remove themselves from practice and seek professional advice should their ability to serve the consumer be negatively impacted by substance abuse, or other health-related conditions.
4. Respect the rights, knowledge, intellectual property, and skills of colleagues and others.
5. Advise their organization and any other professional entities in the realm of assistive technology with whom they have a business relationship, in writing, of any public discipline imposed by RESNA within thirty (30) calendar days.

IV. Duties Owed to RESNA

Certificants and candidates for certification shall:

1. 1.  Provide written notice to RESNA within thirty (30) calendar days of conduct that may adversely affect the field of assistive technology or those served professionally:
      1. 1. Notice of disciplinary or administrative action;
         2. Any order issued by any jurisdiction pertaining to a healthcare practice;
         3. Misdemeanor criminal charges, diversions, or convictions;
         4. Violent or non-violent felony charges, diversions, or convictions; or,
         5. Become aware of such behavior by RESNA members, certificants, or applicants for certification.
   2. Not make false or misleading representations to RESNA in the performance of its duties or about RESNA in public statements.
   3. Cooperate fully with RESNA’s requests, application processes, policies, procedures, investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and disciplinary decisions.
   4. Notify RESNA or make updates to publicly available information  found in the Directory of Certified Professionals within thirty (30) calendar days of a change in information.