4 Ethics and Jurisprudence for the Indiana Physical Therapy Professional: Summary
the reference page. The interpretations from the Guide 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 dignity and rights of all individuals. Principle 2 : Physical therapists shall be trustworthy and compassionate in addressing the rights and needs of patients/clients. Principle 3 : Physical therapists shall be accountable for making sound professional judgments. Principle 4 : Physical therapists shall demonstrate integrity in their relationships with patients/clients, families, colleagues, students, research participants, other healthcare providers, employers, payers, and the public. • Interpretation: Exploitation: The statement is clear: Sexual relationships with their patients/clients, supervisees, or students are prohibited. This component of Principle 4 is consistent with Principle 4B. EJC Opinion titled “Topic: Sexual Relationships with Patients/Former Patients”: A physical therapist stands in a relationship of trust to each patient and has an ethical obligation to act in the patient’s best interest and to avoid any exploitation or abuse of the patient . Thus, if a physical therapist has natural feelings of attraction toward a patient, he or she must sublimate those feelings in order to avoid sexual exploitation of the patient. Principle 5 : Physical therapists shall fulfill their legal and professional obligations. Principle 6 : Physical therapists shall enhance their expertise through the lifelong acquisition and refinement of knowledge, skills, abilities, and professional behaviors. Principle 7 : Physical therapists shall promote organizational behaviors and business practices that benefit patients/clients and society. Principle 8 : Physical therapists shall participate in efforts to meet the health needs of people locally, nationally, or globally.
LEARNING TIP! Interpretation: Physical therapists shall provide pro bono physical therapy services or support organizations that meet the health needs of people who are economically disadvantaged, uninsured, and underinsured.
Definition of “Physical Therapy” : Physical therapy means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, and includes any of the following: • Examining, evaluating, and conducting testing on patients with mechanical, physiological, or developmental impairments, functional limitations and disabilities, or other health and movement related conditions in order to determine a physical therapy diagnosis. • Alleviating impairment, functional limitations and disabilities by designing, implementing, and modifying treatment interventions that may include: therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, therapeutic massage, prescription, application, and fabrication of devices and equipment, airway clearance techniques, integumentary repair and protection techniques, wound care and debridement, physical agents or modalities, patient related instruction, and dry needling (after completing board approved continuing education and company with applicable board rules). • Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of health, wellness, fitness, and quality of life in all age populations. • Engaging in consultation, administration, education, and research.
Powered by FlippingBook