Ethics and Jurisprudence for the Indiana Physical Therapy Professionals, 2nd Edition: Summary 2
APTA CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS The Code of Ethics serves multiple purposes: • Define ethical principles forming the foundation of physical therapist practice • Provide standards of behavior for professional accountability • Provide guidance for physical therapists facing ethical challenges • Educate physical therapists, students, other healthcare professionals, regulators, and the public • Establish standards for determining unethical conduct The Code is built upon the five roles of the physical therapist (management of patients/clients, consultation, education, research, and administration), the core values of the profession, and multiple realms of ethical action. Principles of the Code of Ethics Principle #1: Physical therapists shall respect the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals. • Act respectfully toward each person regardless of background or characteristics • Recognize personal biases and avoid discrimination Principle #2: Physical therapists shall be trustworthy and compassionate in addressing the rights and needs of patients/clients. • Adhere to core values and act in patients' best interests and avoid any exploitation or abuse of the patient • Provide services with compassion and cultural sensitivity • Provide information for informed decisions • Collaborate with patients in healthcare decisions • Protect confidential information Principle #3: Physical therapists shall be accountable for making sound professional judgments. • Demonstrate independent and objective judgment • Base judgments on professional standards and evidence • Practice within scope and collaborate when necessary • Avoid conflicts of interest • Provide appropriate direction to assistants and support personnel
INTRODUCTION Across all practice, educational, and research settings, physical therapists face issues that involve ethical questions. To navigate ethical issues and problems, physical therapy practitioners should be well versed in the knowledge and skills of ethical decision making. They need to understand their ethical and legal responsibilities under the APTA Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists, the APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, and the Indiana state practice act. Although ethics education has become better integrated into physical therapy education over the past decade, many endorse that ethical decision-making requires more skill than simply following a code of ethics in the physical therapy profession since the professional duties are linked to social exception of ethical behavior as well. Many also believe that entry level education is not sufficient enough on a world scale for physical therapy, requiring multiple sources for learning to develop an ethical decision-making framework. SECTION I: ETHICS Understanding Ethics in Physical Therapy Ethics is derived from the Greek word "ethos" (character) and the Latin word "mores" (customs), which together define how individuals interact with one another. In physical therapy, codes of ethics state the principles and rules of conduct to guide professionals in making decisions between right and wrong actions. These codes protect patient welfare and standardize practice. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and governs practice through collaboration with state regulatory boards and the APTA. The FSBPT's mission is to protect the public by providing service and leadership that promotes safe and competent physical therapy practice. Scope of Practice The APTA defines scope of practice as having three components: 1. Professional scope : Practice grounded in the profession's unique body of knowledge, supported by educational preparation, based on evidence, and linked to existing or emerging practice frameworks. 2. Jurisdictional scope : Established by the Model Practice Act governing the specific physical therapist's license and the rules adopted pursuant to that act. 3. Personal scope : Activities for which an individual physical therapist is educated and trained and competent to perform.
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