Which ethical principle is NOT foundational to occupational therapy?

The correct answer is "C. Compulsory treatment." In occupational therapy, ethical principles serve as guiding frameworks to ensure that practitioners provide appropriate and respectful care to their clients. The key principles foundational to occupational therapy include beneficence, autonomy, and veracity.

Beneficence relates to the obligation of occupational therapists to act in the best interest of their clients, promoting well-being and providing services that benefit them. Autonomy emphasizes respecting a client's right to make informed decisions regarding their own treatment and services. Veracity requires honesty and integrity in all professional interactions, ensuring that clients receive accurate information.

In contrast, "compulsory treatment" is not an ethical principle recognized within occupational therapy. This concept suggests forcing individuals to undergo treatment against their will, which directly contradicts the principles of client autonomy and respect for individual rights. Therefore, while the other principles support ethical practice in occupational therapy, compulsory treatment does not align with the foundational values of the profession.