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Ethics for Physical Therapists and Assistants: Summary
• Social responsibility —the promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness Principles 1. Physical therapists shall respect the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals 2. Physical therapists shall be trustworthy and compassionate in addressing the rights and needs of patients/clients 3. Physical therapists shall be accountable for making sound professional judgments 4. Physical therapists shall demonstrate integrity in their relationships with patients/clients, families, colleagues, students, research participants, other healthcare providers, employers, payers, and the public 5. Physical therapists shall fulfill their legal and professional obligations 6. Physical therapists shall enhance their expertise through the lifelong acquisition and refinement of knowledge, skills, abilities, and professional behaviors 7. Physical therapists shall promote organizational behaviors and business practices that benefit patients/clients and society 8. Physical therapists shall participate in efforts to meet the health needs of people locally, nationally, or globally STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT These standards outline the ethical obligations and provide a foundation of conduct for PTAs with regards to the special obligation a PTA has related to enabling patients to achieve greater independence, health, wellness, and quality of life.
INTRODUCTION CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST:
The Code of Ethics outlines the ethical obligations of all PTs and was established by the APTA in order to provide standards, guidance, and education for physical therapists. It is built upon the multiple roles of a physical therapist, core values of the profession, and realms of • Accountability —active acceptance of the responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions of the physical therapist, including self-regulation and other behaviors that positively influence patient/client outcomes, the profession, and the health needs of society • Altruism —the primary regard for or devotion to the interest of patients/clients, thus assuming the fiduciary responsibility of placing the needs of the patient/client ahead of the physical therapist’s self-interest • Compassion —the desire to identify with or sense something of another’s experience; a ethical action. Core Values precursor of caring. Caring is the concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others • Excellence —physical therapy practice that consistently uses current knowledge and theory while understanding personal limits, integrates judgment and the patient/ client perspective, embraces advancement, challenges mediocrity, and works toward development of new knowledge • Integrity —steadfast adherence to high ethical principles or professional standards; truthfulness, fairness, doing what you say you will do, and “speaking forth” about why you do what you do • Professional duty —commitment to meeting one’s obligations to provide effective physical therapy services to patients/clients, to serve the profession, and to positively influence the health of society
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