California Physical Therapy Ebook Continuing Education

Chapter 1: Ethical Practice in Physical Therapy (Mandatory) 2 CC Hours

By: Gordon Ward, MPT Learning objectives

Š Define dual- or multiple-role relationships between practitioners and clients and strategies to maintain boundaries. Š Identify and define the steps for ethical decision making using the RIPS Model.

Š Define the standards and principles for ethical practice from the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics for Therapists and Assistants. Š List and explain the five roles of physical therapy. Š Identify and give examples of the scope of practice. Š State the purpose, mission, and vision of the Model Practice Act for Physical Therapy. Course overview This course covers the principles and standards of ethical practice for physical therapists and assistants and references the Codes of Ethics and Conduct Guides of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Implicit bias in healthcare Implicit bias significantly affects how healthcare professionals perceive and make treatment decisions, ultimately resulting in disparities in health outcomes. These biases, often unconscious and unintentional, can shape behavior and produce differences in medical care along various lines, including race, ethnicity, gen- der identity, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic status. Healthcare disparities stemming from implicit bias can mani- fest in several ways. For example, a healthcare provider might unconsciously give less attention to a patient or make assump- tions about their medical needs based on race, gender, or age. The unconscious assumptions can lead to delayed or inadequate care, misdiagnoses, or inappropriate treatments, all of which can Disclaimer The information provided in this activity is for continuing educa- tion purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the inde- pendent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to

Therapy (FSBPT). Ethical issues related to professional practice are discussed. Steps to identify potential conflicts and strategies for decision making to avoid and resolve ethical issues are included.

adversely impact health outcomes. Addressing implicit bias in healthcare is crucial for achieving equity in medical treatment. Strategies to combat these biases involve education and aware- ness programs for healthcare professionals. These programs help individuals recognize and acknowledge their biases, fostering a more empathetic and unbiased approach to patient care. Addi- tionally, implementing policies and procedures prioritizing equi- table treatment for all patients can play a pivotal role in reduc- ing healthcare disparities. Ultimately, confronting implicit bias in healthcare is essential to creating a more just and equitable healthcare system where everyone receives fair and equal treat- ment regardless of their background or characteristics.

diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2024: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materi- als presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable ef- forts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers. INTRODUCTION The Legal Information Institute provides the following overview of the term ethics :

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) ad - ministers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), the examination that every graduate of a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant must pass to become a licensed physical thera- pist or licensed/certified physical therapist assistant in the United States (APTA, 2015a). The FSBPT governs practice through collaboration with state reg- ulatory boards and the APTA. Through the Model Practice Act, it outlines penalties or sanctions if ethical violations occur. The FSBPT provides the following statements on promoting safe- ty and competence: FSBPT strives to live by a clearly defined mission and vision. Our mission conveys the direction of our organization and our vision inspires us to achieve a common purpose. Our Mission : To protect the public by providing service and leadership that promote safe and competent physical therapy practice. Our Vision : To achieve a high level of public protection through a strong foundation of laws and regulatory standards in physical therapy, effective tools and systems to assess entry-

The word “ethics” is derived from the Greek word ethos (char - acter), and from the Latin word mores (customs). Together, they combine to define how individuals choose to interact with one another. In philosophy, ethics defines what is good for the individual and for society and establishes the nature of duties that people owe themselves and one another. Most professions have highly detailed and enforceable codes for their respective memberships. In some cases these are spoken of as “professional ethics.” Professional codes of eth- ics are likely to have some effect on judgments about profes- sional conduct in litigation. Generally, failure to comply with a code of professional ethics may result in expulsion from the profession or some lesser sanction (LII, 2017b). In the physical therapy profession, codes of ethics state the prin - ciples and rules of conduct to guide professional therapists and assistants to make decisions between right and wrong actions. Codes of ethics are used to protect the welfare of the patient and standardize practice for therapists following professional stan- dards.

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Book Code: PTCA2624

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