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Components of Ethics for Physical Therapy Professionals: Summary
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant Key standards for physical therapist assistants: 1. Respect for inherent dignity 2. Trustworthy and compassionate care 3. Sound decision-making within scope
○ Ensures proper fiscal management and resource allocation ○ Maintains quality improvement plans ○ Provides appropriate staffing and development ○ Creates safe and accessible physical environment ○ Promotes coordination among healthcare providers III. Patient and Client Management ○ Requires designated physical therapist of record ○ Emphasizes patient collaboration ○ Includes initial examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis ○ Develops management and care plans ○ Provides appropriate interventions ○ Maintains long-term patient relationships ○ Conducts regular reexaminations ○ Documents all aspects of care ○ Manages referrals and consultations IV. Education ○ Emphasizes professional development for therapists ○ Requires education of peers, students, and public ○ Promotes understanding of PT roles and benefits V. Advocacy ○ Supports patient rights ○ Promotes PT as entry-point to healthcare ○ Advocates for accessible healthcare services ○ Encourages creation of safe community environments VI. Research ○ Applies research findings to practice ○ Maintains current knowledge ○ Protects research subjects ○ Educates others about new evidence ○ Supports clinical decisions with literature VII. Community Responsibility ○ Participates in community activities ○ Educates the public
4. Integrity in relationships 5. Fulfillment of obligations 6. Professional competence 7. Ethical business practices 8. Community health participation
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Defines the fundamental values guiding physical therapy practice: ○ Accountability ○ Altruism ○ Collaboration ○ Compassion and Caring ○ Duty ○ Excellence American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy Preamble Outlines the profession's commitment to transforming society through optimizing movement and improving human experience, focusing on providing high-quality professional service. I. Ethical/Legal Considerations ○ Physical therapists follow APTA Code of Ethics ○ Physical therapist assistants follow APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct ○ Both must comply with legal requirements in their jurisdictions II. Administration of Physical Therapy Service ○ Requires written mission statement, organizational plan, and policies ○ Inclusion ○ Integrity ○ Social Responsibility
○ Helps form public policy ○ Provides pro bono services
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