2 Ethics and Jurisprudence for the Indiana Physical Therapy Professional: Summary
RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE The Model Practice Act A tool developed by the FSBPT for physical therapy for public protection and legislative change (MPA) is the preeminent standard and most effective tool available for revising and modernizing physical therapy practice acts. This act is enacted for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare, and it provides for jurisdiction administrative control, supervision, licensure, and regulation of the practice of physical therapy. The Indiana APTA provides the following statement concerning ethics and professionalism: “Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants should strive to apply principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication and accountability in working together with other professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities.” Glossary • 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. • Autonomy : Self-directing freedom and especially moral independence. • Bright-line rule : An objective rule that resolves legal questions in a straightforward, predictable manner. A bright-line rule is easy to administer and produces certain—though arguably, not always—equitable results. • Dual or multiple relationships : A multiple relationship occurs when a therapist or assistant is in a professional role with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the person with whom the therapist has the professional relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with or related to the person).
INTRODUCTION The word “ethics” is derived from the Greek word ethos (character), 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.
LEARNING TIP! In the physical therapy profession, codes of ethics state the principles 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 standards. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). • Safety 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-level and continuing competence, and public and professional awareness of resources for public protection.
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