5
Ethics for Physical Therapists and Assistants: Summary
Case Study 3 H is a private practice physical therapist who employs I as a staff physical therapist assistant. H’s practice is in a financial crisis. As part of his financial stimulus strategy, H begins to market transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation devices to virtually all of his patients—in many cases inappropriately—at highly inflated prices. I is aware of H’s strategy to save his business but takes no action to confront H or otherwise stop what is going on. What principles and standards have H and I violated in pursuit of this marketing initiative? What must be I’s next step(s)? Commentary : H has arguably violated Principles 1A, 2A–D, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A–C, 5A, 6A, 7B, 7D–F, and 8C. I has violated Standards 1A, 2A-C, 3A, B and E, 4A-D, 5A and E, 7A, C-E, and 8C and D. I’s next steps are (1) to consult with personal legal counsel for advice and (2) if cleared by legal counsel, to respectfully confront H, and, if H does not expeditiously and fully rectify the fraud committed on patients and third-party payers, report H to legal and regulatory authorities, pursuant to Standards 4D, 4E, 5E, 7A, 7D, and 7E. Case Study 4 J is a physical therapist member of the American Physical Therapy Association. J is passionate about fulfilling the biomedical ethical duty of justice for patients in her community, a large city in the southwestern United States. How can J accomplish her goals? Commentary : J can work individually or in concert with other physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other healthcare professionals to achieve her goals. In her own clinical practice, J can set aside a finite number of pro bono patient slots and rotate free-care patients in as existing ones are discharged. J can work with area physical therapists and assistants to form pro bono service networks and share the load among many participants. The American Physical Therapy Association should consider offering organizational assistance to pro bono networks, at the district, state, and national levels, similar to what is offered by attorney professional organizations such as the American Bar Association.
ACCESS THE FULL ONLINE PRESENTATION
Scan the QR CODE to start online presentation or visit https://uqr.to/ptethics
Powered by FlippingBook