Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists

What is the purpose of the Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists?

To define ethical principles, provide standards of behavior, guide physical therapists in ethical challenges, educate stakeholders, and establish standards for determining unethical conduct.

Who determines the ethical obligations outlined in the Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists?

The House of Delegates of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

What are the core values reflected in the Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists?

Accountability, altruism, collaboration, compassion and caring, duty, excellence, integrity, and social responsibility.

What is the primary obligation of physical therapists according to the Code of Ethics?

To empower, educate, and enable individuals with impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and disabilities.

What does Principle #1 of the Code of Ethics state?

Physical therapists shall respect the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals.

What core values support Principle #1 of the Code of Ethics?

Compassion and Caring, Integrity.

What does Principle #2 of the Code of Ethics emphasize?

Physical therapists shall be trustworthy and compassionate in addressing the rights and needs of patients and clients.

What core values support Principle #2 of the Code of Ethics?

Altruism, Collaboration, Compassion and Caring, Duty.

What should physical therapists do regarding personal biases according to the Code of Ethics?

Recognize their personal biases and not discriminate against others in their practice.

What additional guidance is provided alongside the Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists?

The APTA Guide for Professional Conduct and Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant.

What is the significance of the Code of Ethics not being exhaustive?

It indicates that physical therapists should seek additional advice or consultation when the Code may not provide definitive guidance.

What roles do the duties and obligations in the Code of Ethics pertain to?

The five roles of the physical therapist, including patient management, consultation, education, research, and administration.

How does the Code of Ethics address ethical action?

It addresses individual, organizational, and societal aspects of ethical action.

What is the role of the American Physical Therapy Association regarding unethical conduct?

To determine if a physical therapist has engaged in unethical conduct based on the established standards.

What is the expected behavior of physical therapists in their professional roles?

To act in a respectful manner toward each person and adhere to the core values of the profession.

What is the importance of the Code of Ethics for the public?

It provides standards of behavior and performance that form the basis of professional accountability.

What does the Code of Ethics encourage physical therapists to do in challenging situations?

Seek additional advice or consultation.

What is the relationship between the Code of Ethics and professional accountability?

The Code provides standards that hold physical therapists accountable to the public.

How does the Code of Ethics contribute to the education of physical therapists?

It educates physical therapists, students, and other stakeholders about core values, ethical principles, and standards.

What is the significance of the core values in the Code of Ethics?

They guide the professional conduct of physical therapists.

What does the Code of Ethics imply about the treatment of individuals with disabilities?

It emphasizes the importance of facilitating greater independence, health, wellness, and enhanced quality of life.

What should physical therapists prioritize according to Principle #2?

The best interests of patients and clients over their own interests.

What behaviors should physical therapists demonstrate when providing services?

Compassionate and caring behaviors that incorporate individual and cultural differences of patients and clients.

What information must physical therapists provide to patients or their surrogates?

Information necessary to allow them to make informed decisions about physical therapist care or participation in clinical research.

How should physical therapists empower patients in their health care decisions?

By collaborating with patients and clients.

What is the responsibility of physical therapists regarding patient confidentiality?

To protect confidential patient and client information and disclose it only when allowed or required by law.

What is the core value associated with accountability in physical therapy?

Making sound professional judgments.

What should physical therapists demonstrate in their professional judgment?

Independent and objective professional judgment in the patient's or client's best interest.

What factors should inform a physical therapist's professional judgment?

Professional standards, evidence (including current literature and established best practices), practitioner experience, and patient and client values.

What should physical therapists do when faced with conflicts of interest?

Not engage in conflicts that interfere with professional judgment.

What is required of physical therapists in terms of supervision?

They shall have primary responsibility for supervision of physical therapist assistants and support personnel.

What is the core value associated with integrity in physical therapy?

Demonstrating integrity in relationships with patients, clients, and others.

What type of information must physical therapists provide to avoid misleading representations?

Truthful, accurate, and relevant information.

What should physical therapists avoid in their relationships with patients and clients?

Engaging in sexual relationships or exploiting persons over whom they have authority.

What actions should physical therapists take against harassment?

They shall not harass anyone and should discourage misconduct by reporting illegal or unethical acts.

What legal obligations must physical therapists fulfill?

Comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

What should physical therapists do if they suspect abuse involving children or vulnerable adults?

Report suspected cases to the appropriate authority, subject to law.

What is the responsibility of physical therapists involved in research?

To abide by accepted standards governing the protection of research participants.

What is the significance of collaboration in physical therapy?

It is a core value that emphasizes working together with patients and clients.

What must physical therapists do when providing direction to assistants?

Provide appropriate direction and communication with physical therapist assistants and support personnel.

What should physical therapists do if they observe misconduct by colleagues?

Discourage misconduct and report it to the appropriate authority.

What is the role of physical therapists in making judgments within their practice?

To make judgments within their scope of practice and level of expertise.

What is the importance of accountability in physical therapy?

It ensures that physical therapists fulfill their professional obligations.

What should physical therapists do to maintain professional integrity?

Provide accurate information and avoid any form of exploitation or harassment.

What should physical therapists encourage colleagues with impairments to do?

Seek assistance or counsel.

What must physical therapists do if they know a colleague cannot perform their responsibilities safely?

Report this information to the appropriate authority.

What should physical therapists provide when terminating a provider relationship?

Notice and information about alternatives for obtaining care.

What is the core value associated with Principle #6 for physical therapists?

Excellence.

What is one responsibility of physical therapists under Principle #6?

Achieve and maintain professional competence.

How should physical therapists assess their professional development needs?

Through critical self-assessment and reflection.

What must physical therapists evaluate before integrating new content into practice?

The strength of evidence and applicability of the content.

What type of environment should physical therapists cultivate?

One that supports professional development, lifelong learning, and excellence.

What core values are associated with Principle #7?

Integrity and Accountability.

What should physical therapists promote in their practice environments?

Autonomous and accountable professional judgments.

What is a responsibility regarding remuneration for physical therapists?

Seek remuneration that is deserved and reasonable.

What should physical therapists avoid accepting that could influence their judgment?

Gifts or other considerations.

What must physical therapists disclose regarding financial interests?

Any financial interest in products or services they recommend.

What should physical therapists ensure regarding documentation and coding?

That it accurately reflects the nature and extent of the services provided.

What type of arrangements should physical therapists refrain from?

Those that prevent them from fulfilling professional obligations to patients and clients.

What is the core value associated with Principle #8?

Social Responsibility.

What type of services should physical therapists provide to economically disadvantaged individuals?

Pro bono physical therapist services.

What should physical therapists advocate for in health care?

To reduce health disparities and improve access to health care services.

What is a responsibility of physical therapists regarding health care resources?

Be responsible stewards and avoid overutilization or under-utilization.

What should physical therapists educate the public about?

The benefits of physical therapy and the unique role of the physical therapist.