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NM OT Jurisprudence study materials
NM OT Jurisprudence study resources

NM OT Jurisprudence: Professional Ethics, Boundaries, and Mandatory Reporting

NM OT Jurisprudence · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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Professional Ethics, Boundaries, and Mandatory Reporting

Domain 8: Professional ethics, boundaries, and mandatory reporting

This domain tests ethical decision-making, boundary management, and legal reporting duties. Expect scenarios on gifts, social media, dual relationships, and suspected abuse.

Core rules

  • Core ethical commitments include autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, veracity, and fidelity. Put client welfare ahead of convenience or profit.
  • Avoid sexual or romantic relationships with clients and exploitative dual relationships. Manage gifts, bartering, and social media contact with clear boundaries.
  • New Mexico law requires reporting suspected child abuse or neglect and abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults to the designated agency. The duty is personal; following employer protocol does not replace the legal report.
  • Report impaired or unsafe practice when required by law or when client safety is at risk; use the Board process for misconduct.
  • Document reports factually without investigating beyond your role.

Worked example

A client discloses that a caregiver hits her. The OT ensures immediate safety, reports to Adult Protective Services under the applicable NM reporting law, and documents the disclosure and report. The OT does not confront the caregiver or promise confidentiality. The OT also notifies the supervisor per policy but does not delay the legal report.

Traps

Do not promise absolute confidentiality. Do not report only to a supervisor and assume the duty is met. Do not accept a large gift or friend a client on social media; boundary crossings can become discipline.