The APTA Code of Ethics Preamble to the Code
built upon the five roles of the physical therapist (manage- ment of patients/clients, consultation, education, research, and administration), the core values of the profession, and the multiple realms of ethical action (individual, organizational, and societal). Physical therapist practice is guided by a set of seven core values: accountability, altruism, compassion/car- ing, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social respon- sibility. Throughout the document the primary core values that support specific principles are indicated in parentheses. Unless a specific role is indicated in the principle, the duties and obligations being delineated pertain to the five roles of the physical therapist. Fundamental to the Code of Ethics is the special obligation of physical therapists to empower, edu- cate, and enable those with impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and disabilities to facilitate greater independence, health, wellness, and enhanced quality of life (APTA, 2013c). Interpretation The 2010 revision of the Code of Ethics contains the word shall , and the principles should be interpreted as mandatory ethical obligations. The Preamble states: “No Code of Ethics is exhaus- tive nor can it address every situation.” The Preamble also states that physical therapists “are encouraged to seek additional advice or consultation in instances in which the guidance of the Code may not be definitive.” Potential sources for advice and counsel include third parties and the myriad resources available on the APTA website. Inherent in a physical therapist’s ethical decision- making process is the examination of his or her unique set of facts relative to the Code (APTA, 2013a). 2C. Physical therapists shall provide the information necessary to allow patients or their surrogates to make informed deci- sions about physical therapy care or participation in clinical research. 2D. Physical therapists shall collaborate with patients/clients to empower them in decisions about their health care. 2E. Physical therapists shall protect confidential patient/client in- formation and may disclose confidential information to ap- propriate authorities only when allowed or as required by law. Interpretation: Altruism (APTA, 2013a). Principle 2A reminds physical therapists to adhere to the profession’s core values and act in the best interest of patients/clients over the interests of the physical therapist. Often this is done without thought, but some- times it is a conscious decision. For example, the physical thera- pist may need to decide between leaving on time and staying at work longer to see a patient who was 15 minutes late for an appointment. Interpretation: Patient Autonomy (APTA, 2013a). The purpose of Principle 2C is to respect patient autonomy. A physical thera - pist shall communicate to the patient/client the findings of his or her examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis. A physi- cal therapist shall use sound professional judgment in informing the patient/client of any substantial risks of the recommended ex- amination and intervention and shall collaborate with the patient/ client to establish the goals of treatment and the plan of care. A physical therapist shall respect the patient’s/client’s right to make decisions regarding the recommended plan of care, including consent, modification, or refusal. Principle #3: Physical therapists shall be accountable for making sound professional judgments. ( Core values : Excellence, integrity. ) 3A. Physical therapists shall demonstrate independent and objec- tive professional judgment in the patient’s/client’s best inter- est in all practice settings.
The APTA Preamble states as follows: The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist (Code of Ethics) delineates the ethical obliga- tions of all physical therapists as determined by the House of Delegates of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA, 2013c). The purposes of the Code of Ethics are to: 1. Define the ethical principles that form the foundation of physi- cal therapist practice in patient/client management, consulta- tion, education, research, and administration. 2. Provide standards of behavior and performance that form the basis of professional accountability to the public. 3. Provide guidance for physical therapists facing ethical chal- lenges regardless of their professional roles and responsibili- ties. 4. Educate physical therapists, students, other health care pro - fessionals, regulators, and the public regarding the core val- ues, ethical principles, and standards that guide the profes- sional conduct of the physical therapist. 5. Establish the standards by which the American Physical Therapy Association can determine if a physical therapist has engaged in unethical conduct. (APTA, 2013a) Physical therapists are encouraged to seek additional advice or consultation in instances where the guidance of the Code of Eth- ics may not be definitive (APTA, 2013c). The Preamble is followed by this explanation: No code of ethics is exhaustive nor can it address every situ- ation. Physical therapists are encouraged to seek additional advice or consultation in instances where the guidance of the Code of Ethics may not be definitive. The Code of Ethics is The following information from the principles and subcategories of the APTA Code of Ethics (APTA, 2013c) has been summarized and should be viewed in its entirety on the APTA website con- tained on the reference page. The interpretations from the Guide (APTA, 2013a) have been included. Remember, not all subsections have interpretations, but additional clarification can be found on the APTA and FSBPT websites. Principle #1: Physical therapists shall respect the inherent The Code of Ethics for the physical therapist Principles 1A. Physical therapists shall act in a respectful manner toward each person regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, reli- gion, ethnicity, social or economic status, sexual orientation, health condition, or disability. 1B. Physical therapists shall recognize their personal biases and shall not discriminate against others in physical therapist practice, consultation, education, research, and administra - tion. Interpretation: Respect (APTA, 2013a). Principle 1A addresses the display of respect toward others. There is no universal consen - sus about what respect looks like in every situation. For example, direct eye contact may be respectful and courteous in some cul- tures and inappropriate in others. The therapist should assess the appropriateness of behavior in various situations. Principle #2: Physical therapists shall be trustworthy and compassionate in addressing the rights and needs of patients/clients. (Core values: Altruism, compassion, professional duty.) 2A. Physical therapists shall adhere to the core values of the pro - fession and shall act in the best interests of patients/clients over the interests of the physical therapist. dignity and rights of all individuals. ( Core values : Compassion, integrity. ) 2B. Physical therapists shall provide physical therapy services with compassionate and caring behaviors that incorporate the in- dividual and cultural differences of patients/clients.
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