The American Occupational Therapy Association Advisory Opinion for the Ethics Commission Cultural Competency and Ethical Practice

Joan, a pediatric therapist, is asked to make a home visit to a Vietnamese child who was recently burned. On examination of the child, she notes red, round, coin-sized marks over the child’s back. She never asks the mother about the marks. After leaving the home, Joan wonders whether the mother is using a traditional healing treatment. She asks herself, “How can I give this child ethical and quality care while allowing the mother to continue with this harmful practice?”