Same Issues, Different Code: Practical Applications of the (new) AMTA Code of Ethics

3-hour CMTE

Debbie Bates, PhD, MT-BC


​Objectives

​Description
Participants will:
  • clarify personal and professional values and explore how these relate to the Code of Ethics (IV.A.1)
  • identify the purpose and value of aspirational Codes of Ethics (IV.A.2)
  • apply the Code of Ethics to frequently encountered ethical dilemmas (IV.A.4)
What is an aspirational Code of Ethics? What is the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and why did it have such a big impact on the new Code? The new Code of Ethics looks and feels very different from the previous version of the document. It appears to provide less direct guidance, as many of the items that were explicit in what music therapists could or could not do have been removed. Instead, the aspirational code has a stronger focus on ethical principles and values, with an emphasis on what music therapists should do (rather than what they should not do). The items within the Code describe ideals and standards to which music therapists should aspire. Because there is less direct guidance, the new Code of Ethics requires that music therapists apply critical thinking skills to determine which items apply to an ethical issue and how or why. The lack of direct guidance also challenges music therapists to utilize a problem-solving method when working through complex dilemmas, as applicable Code items could provide contrasting direction. This CMTE will explore the benefits of an aspirational Code of Ethics, the reasons underlying the massive overhaul, apply the new Code of Ethics to dilemmas that must therapists encounter frequently using a problem-solving method and critical thinking skills.
Schedule
8:00-8:30
8:30-9:00
9:00-9:30

9:30-9:45

​9:45-10:45
10:45-11:00
What is an Aspirational Code of Ethics and What is the Sherman Anti-Trust Act?
Personal and Professional Values
The New AMTA Code of Ethics

Break
​
Same Dilemmas, Different Code
Evaluations and Wrap-Up

Presenter
Debbie Bates, PhD, MT-BC, is the Music Therapy Manager for the Arts and Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and wears multiple hats: clinician, manager, researcher, and educator. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from the University of Dayton and her Masters and PhD in Music Therapy from Temple University. Debbie frequently presents about music therapy ethics at regional, national, and international music therapy conferences, has authored publications on this topic, and teaches graduate ethics at Augsburg University (MN) and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College (IN).
The mission of AOMT is to provide educational and networking opportunities to enrich music therapists and the field of music therapy; advocate for the profession and music therapists within the state; educate consumers and the community at large, and promote the exchange of ideas to assist music therapists and other related professionals in better meeting the needs of their clients.
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