Subject: Profisue03

Topic: Code of Ethics

Lecturer: Shanna torrejon, PTRP

OUTLINE References: PowerPoint

I. Code OF ETHICS OF THE P P TA Legend:
A. ARTICLE I. DEFINITION OF TERMS M ain Topic
i. SECTION 1 Main-Sub Topic
ii. SECTION 2 Sub Topic
iii. SECTION 3 Book PPT Side notes Speaker
iv. SECTION 4
B. ARTICLE II. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
i. SECTION 1
ii. SECTION 2
iii. SECTION 3
iv. SECTION 4
v. SECTION 5 I. CODE OF ETHI CS
vi. SECTION 6
vii. SECTION 7
A. ARTICLE I. DEFINITION OF TERMS
viii. SECTION 8
PHYSICAL THERAPY- Physical therapy is providing services
ix. SECTION 9
to people to develop, maintain and restore maximum
C. ARTICLE III. RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS
movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan.
THE PROFESSION
i. SECTION 1 ASSESSMENT- Includes both the examination of individuals
ii. SECTION 2 with actual or potential impairments, functional limitations,
iii. SECTION 3 disabilities and evaluation of the results of the examination
iv. SECTION 4 through analysis and synthesis.
v. SECTION 5
vi. SECTION 6 RE-EVALUATION- Necessitates re-examination, including
vii. SECTION 7 assessment, diagnosis and planning, for the purpose of
viii. SECTION 8 evaluating outcomes.
D. ARTICLE V. RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS
THE PUBLIC DIAGNOSIS- Arises from the examination and evaluation
i. SECTION 1 and represents the outcome of the process of clinical
ii. SECTION 2 reasoning.
iii. SECTION 3
iv. SECTION 4 PLANNING- Begins with determination of the need for
v. SECTION 5 intervention and normally leads to the development of a plan
vi. SECTION 6 of intervention subjected for implementation.
vii. SECTION 7
viii. SECTION 8 INTERVENTION- May include manual handling, movement
E. ARTICLE VI. RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHER enhancement, physical, electrotherapeutic and mechanical
PT agents, functional training, provision of aids and appliances,
i. SECTION 1 patient-related instruction and counseling, documentation and
ii. SECTION 2 coordination, and communication.
iii. SECTION 3
A person who is the holder of
iv. SECTION 4
a registered and valid professional license legally qualified
v. SECTION 5
to practice physical therapy.
F. ARTICLE VII. RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHER
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS A physical therapist holds a degree of Bachelor of Science
i. SECTION 1 in Physical Therapy from an accredited school.
ii. SECTION 2
iii. SECTION 3
B. ARTICLE II. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
iv. SECTION 4 a. SECTION 1. Universal Care
v. SECTION 5
vi. SECTION 6 The need for Physical Therapy is universal.
vii. SECTION 7
viii. SECTION 8 The service of the PT is therefore unrestricted by
considerations of nationality, creed, color, politics or social
G. ARTICLE VIII. REMUNERATION
i. SECTION 1 status.
ii. SECTION 2 b. SECTION 2. Professionalism
iii. SECTION 3
II. P R EAM BLE Each PT shall act as representative of the whole profession
A. PRINCIPLE #1 and as such, conduct himself/herself with honor and integrity.
B. PRINCIPLE #2 c. SECTION 3. Quality Care
C. PRINCIPLE #3
D. PRINCIPLE #4 The PT must serve the patient’s interest with the greatest
E. PRINCIPLE #5 solicitude, giving always his/her best knowledge and skills.
F. PRINCIPLE #6
G. PRINCIPLE #7
H. PRINCIPLE #8

Trans Group: Page 1 of 6

Edited By:
 d. SECTION 4. Safeguard Colleagues
The PT must safeguard the legitimate interest, reputation and
dignity of his/her colleagues.
C. ARTICLE III. RESPONSIBILITIES
TOWARDS THE PROFESSION
a. SECTION 1. Universal Practice
The PT does not base his/her practice on any exclusive
dogma or sectarian system. He/She should strive to broaden
his/her cultural outlook and deepen his/her professional
interest. He/She shall pursue studies to improve his/her
efficiency and enhance the prestige of the profession.
b. SECTION 2. Professionalism
The PT shall avoid any conduct which may cause discredit to
the profession. Nobility of character should be the guiding
principle.
c. SECTION 3. Provide care in accordance
with the jurisdictions you are under
The PT shall provide consultation, evaluation, treatment and
preventive care, in accordance with the laws and regulations
of the jurisdictions which they practice.
d. SECTION 4. Report unethical practices
The PT shall report to the proper authorities any knowledge
of unethical practices being carried on by any member of the
profession and be willing to testify in any investigation of
such charges if requested.
e. SECTION 5. Practice Arrangements
The practicing PT shall not directly involve himself in the
promotion, or sale of any device, apparatus or drugs.
Participation in a business partnership, corporation or other
entity doesn’t exempt the PT, whether employer, partner, or
stockholder, either individually or collectively, from the
obligation of promoting and maintaining the ethical principles
of the Association.
The PT shall advise their employer/s of any employment
practice that causes a PT to be in conflict with the ethical
principles.
f. SECTION 6. Continuing Education
The PT shall participate in educational activities that enhance
his/her basic knowledge and provide new knowledge.
Whenever the PT provides continuing education, he/she shall
ensure that course content, objectives and responsibilities of
the instructional faculty are accurately reflected in the
promotion of the course
g. SECTION 7. Research
The PT shall support research activities that contribute
knowledge for improved patient care.
The PT engaged in research shall ensure the: consent of
subjects; confidentiality of the data on individual subjects and
the personal identities of the subjects; well-being of all
subjects in compliance with facility regulations and laws of
the jurisdiction in which the research is conducted; the
absence of fraud and plagiarism; full disclosure of support
received; appropriate acknowledgement of individuals making
a contribution to the research
The PT shall report to appropriate authorities any acts in the
conduct or presentation of research that appear unethical or
illegal.
h. SECTION 8. Education in the Academic
and Clinical Settings
The PT shall support quality education in academic and
clinical settings.
The PT functioning in the educational role is responsible to
the students, the academic institutions and the clinical
settings for promoting ethical conduct in educational
activities.
Whenever possible the educator shall ensure: The rights of
students in the academic and clinical setting; Clinical
educators are responsible for reporting to the academic
program student conduct that appears to be unethical or
illegal.
Appropriate confidentiality of personal information;
Professional conduct toward the student during the academic
and clinical educational processes; Assignment to clinical
settings prepared to give the student a learning experience.
i. SECTION 9. Review and Self-Evaluation
The PT shall provide for utilization review of his/her services.
The PT shall demonstrate his/her commitment to quality
assurance by peer review and self- assessment.
D. ARTICLE IV. RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS
THE CLIENTS
a. SECTION 1. Quality & Individualized
Care
The PT shall attend to his/her patients faithfully &
conscientiously, securing for them all the benefits that may
depend upon his/her professional skill & care.
b. SECTION 2. Regular update to
physician-in-charge
The PT shall regularly evaluate the patient’s condition. Any
unusual changes in the patient’s condition should be reported
to the physician-in-charge
c. SECTION 3.
The PT shall be guided by concern for the physical,
psychological and socioeconomic welfare of individuals
entrusted to his/her care.
d. SECTION 4.
The PT shall recognize and respond to the differences of each
individual.
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e. SECTION 5. The PT shall adhere to the
rule of confidentiality on all matters
pertaining to the patient, except in the
interest of justice, public health or
public safety.
Information relating to the PT-patient relationship is
confidential and may not be communicated to a third party
not involved in the patient care, without prior consent from
the patient.
Information derived from component sponsored peer review
shall be held confidential by the reviewer unless written
permission to release the information is obtained from the
patient who was reviewed.
Information derived from the working relationships of the PT
shall be held confidential by all parties.
Information may be disclosed to appropriate authorities when
it is necessary to protect the welfare of the individual or the
community.
f. SECTION 6. The PT shall accept
responsibility for the exercise of
professional judgment.
Upon accepting an individual for physical therapy services,
the PT shall assume the responsibility of evaluating the
individual; planning, implementing, supervising the
therapeutic programs; re-evaluating and changing the
program; and maintaining adequate records of care, including
progress reports.
If the individual’s needs are beyond the scope of expertise of
the PT, the individual shall be informed and assisted in
finding a qualified person to provide necessary services.
When the PT judges that benefit can no longer be obtained
from his/her services, the individual receiving these services
shall be informed.
The PT shall maintain the ability to make independent
judgments — not initiated or compromised by professional
affiliation, including employment relationships.
g. SECTION 7. The PT shall exercise
responsible delegation of tasks relating
to the practice of the profession.
The PT shall not delegate to a less-qualified person any
activity that requires the unique skill, knowledge and
judgment of a PT.
The primary responsibility for physical therapy care rendered
by supportive personnel rests with the supervising PT.
Adequate supervision requires, at a minimum, that a
supervising PT perform the following activities:
Designate or establish channels of written and oral
communication.
Interpret available information concerning the individual
under care
Provide initial evaluation.
Develop plan of care, including short- and long-term goals.
Select and delegate appropriate tasks of plan of care.
Assess competence of supportive personnel to perform
assigned tasks.
Direct and supervise supportive personnel in delegated tasks
Identify and document precautions, special problems,
contraindications, goals, anticipated progress and plans for
re-evaluation.
Re-evaluate, adjust plan of care, when necessary, perform
final evaluation, and establish follow-up plan.
h. SECTION 8. Consumer Protection
The PT shall report any conduct that appears to be unethical,
incompetent or illegal
The PT may not participate in any arrangements in which
patients are exploited due to the referring sources’ enhancing
their personal incomes as a result of referring for, prescribing,
or recommending PT.
E. ARTICLE V. RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS
THE PUBLIC
a. SECTION 1
The PT shall cooperate with the proper authorities in the
promotion of health in the community. He/She should inform
the public on the dangers of communicable diseases, injuries,
deformities and their prevention.
b. SECTION 2
The PT shall render his/her services unselfishly to the
indigent in accordance with correct standards of practice.
c. SECTION 3
The PT shall endeavor to educate the public to an awareness
of the PT profession through such means as publication of
articles and participation in seminars, lectures and civic
programs.
d. SECTION 4
Information given to the public shall emphasize that
individual problems cannot be treated without individualized
evaluation and plans/programs of care.
e. SECTION 5
The PT may provide information about themselves to the
public to facilitate the public selection of a PT.
f. SECTION 6
The PT shall not use, or participate in the use of any form of
communication containing a false, plagiarism, fraudulent,
misleading, deceptive, unfair or sensational statement or
claim.
g. SECTION 7
The PT shall not compensate or give anything of value to a
representative of the press, radio, television, or other
communication medium in anticipation of, or in return for,
professional publicity in a news item
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 h. SECTION 8
A paid advertisement shall be identified as such unless it is
apparent from the content that it is an unpaid advertisement.
F. ARTICLE VI. RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHER
PT
a. SECTION 1
The PT shall work harmoniously with his/her colleagues and
be willing to share his/her knowledge and experience.
b. SECTION 2
The PT shall observe utmost caution, tact and prudence
regarding the professional conduct of other physical
therapists. He/She should not say or do anything that may
lessen the patient’s confidence in his/her co-therapist.
c. SECTION 3
The PT shall not take charge of, nor advise a patient under
the care of another therapist, unless in the case of
emergency, or upon endorsement of the attending therapist.
d. SECTION 4
The PT before leaving his/her position shall organize and
leave all the records and other data necessary to carry on the
work for his/her successor.
e. SECTION 5
Irreconcilable difference of opinion or conflict among physical
therapists shall be referred to competent bodies, selected by
the PPTA Board of Directors, for arbitration.
G. ARTICLE VII. RESPONSIBILITIES TO
OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
a. SECTION 1
The PT shall cooperate with and safeguard the interest,
reputation and dignity of other health professionals.
b. SECTION 2
The PT shall make due acknowledgement of assistance
received from other health professionals.
c. SECTION 3
The PT shall be imbued with the spirit of loyalty, mutual
confidence, respect and faith in other health professionals
joining them in cheerful cooperation and self-sacrifices for the
common good.
d. SECTION 4
Professional criticism of associates shall be made only for the
welfare of the patient and the service, and only in formal
accusation before the proper authority to try the case on its
merits.
e. SECTION 5
The PT shall not criticize the qualifications of any competitor
in order to gain preference in employment
f. SECTION 6
The PT shall give treatment only upon referral of a duly
licensed and registered health professional
g. SECTION 7
The PT shall give all the necessary information concerning the
case to the referring health professional during the progress
of the treatment.
h. SECTION 8
The PT may suggest to the referring source the possibility of
referring the person under care to a qualified individual
whose services may be beneficial.
H. ARTICLE VIII. REMUNERATION
a. SECTION 1
The PT shall never place their own financial interest above
the welfare of the individuals under their care.
b. SECTION 2
Fees for PT services should be reasonable for the services
performed, considering the setting in which it is provided,
practice costs in a geographic area, judgment of other
organizations and other relevant factors.
c. SECTION 3
The PT should attempt to ensure the providers, agencies, or
other employers adopt PT fee schedules that are reasonable
and that encourage access to necessary services
II. P REAM BLE
The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist (Code of Ethics)
delineates the ethical obligations of all physical therapists as
determined by the House of Delegates of the American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The purposes of this
Code of Ethics are to:
o Define the ethical principles
o Provide standards of behavior and performance
o Provide guidance for physical therapists facing
ethical challenges
o Educate physical therapists, students, other health
care professionals, regulators, and the public
regarding the core values, ethical principles, and
standards that guide the professional conduct of
the physical therapist.
A. Principle #1: Physical therapists shall
respect the inherent dignity and rights of
all individuals.
(Core Values: Compassion and Caring, Integrity)
1A. Physical therapists shall act in a respectful manner toward
each person regardless of age, gender, race, nationality,
religion, 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
administration
B. Principle #2: Physical therapists shall be
trustworthy and compassionate in
addressing the rights and needs of patients
and clients.
(Core Values: Altruism, Collaboration, Compassion and
Caring, Duty)
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2A. Physical therapists shall adhere to the core values of the
profession and shall act in the best interests of patients and
clients over the interests of the physical therapist.
2B. Physical therapists shall provide physical therapist
services with compassionate and caring behaviors that
incorporate the individual and cultural differences of patients
and clients.
2C. Physical therapists shall provide the information
necessary to allow patients or their surrogates to make
informed decisions about physical therapist care
or participation in clinical research.
2D. Physical therapists shall collaborate with patients and
clients to empower them in decisions about their health care.
2E. Physical therapists shall protect confidential patient and
client information and may disclose confidential information
to appropriate authorities only when allowed or as required
by law.
C. Principle #3: Physical therapists shall be
accountable for making sound professional
judgments
(Core Values: Collaboration, Duty, Excellence, Integrity)
3A. Physical therapists shall demonstrate independent and
objective professional judgment in the patient’s or client’s
best interest in all practice settings.
3B. Physical therapists shall demonstrate professional
judgment informed by professional standards, evidence
(including current literature and established best practice),
practitioner experience, and patient and client values.
3C. Physical therapists shall make judgments within their
scope of practice and level of expertise and shall
communicate with, collaborate with, or refer to peers or other
health care professionals when necessary.
3D. Physical therapists shall not engage in conflicts of interest
that interfere with professional judgment.
3E. Physical therapists shall provide appropriate direction of
and communication with physical therapist assistants and
support personnel.
D. Principle #4: Physical therapists shall
demonstrate integrity in their relationships
with patients and clients, families,
colleagues, students, research participants,
other health care providers, employers,
payers, and the public
(Core Value: Integrity)
4A. Physical therapists shall provide truthful, accurate, and
relevant information and shall not make misleading
representations.
4B. Physical therapists shall not exploit persons over whom
they have supervisory, evaluative or other authority (eg,
patients/clients, students, supervisees, research participants,
or employees).
4C. Physical therapists shall not engage in any sexual
relationship with any of their patients and clients,
supervisees, or students.
4D. Physical therapists shall not harass anyone verbally,
physically, emotionally, or sexually.
4E. Physical therapists shall discourage misconduct by
physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other
health care professionals and, when appropriate, report illegal
or unethical acts, including verbal, physical, emotional, or
sexual harassment, to an appropriate authority with
jurisdiction over the conduct.
4F. Physical therapists shall report suspected cases of abuse
involving children or vulnerable adults to the appropriate
authority, subject to law.
E. Principle #5: Physical therapists shall fulfill
their legal and professional obligations.
(Core Values: Accountability, Duty, Social Responsibility)
5A. Physical therapists shall comply with applicable local,
state, and federal laws and regulations.
5B. Physical therapists shall have primary responsibility
for supervision of physical therapist assistants and support
personnel.
5C. Physical therapists involved in research shall abide by
accepted standards governing protection of research
participants.
5D. Physical therapists shall encourage colleagues with
physical, psychological, or substance-related impairments that
may adversely impact their professional responsibilities to
seek assistance or counsel.
5E. Physical therapists who have knowledge that a colleague
is unable to perform their professional responsibilities with
reasonable skill and safety shall report this information to
the appropriate authority.
5F. Physical therapists shall provide notice and information
about alternatives for obtaining care in the event the
physical therapist terminates the provider relationship while
the patient or client continues to need physical therapist
services.
F. Principle #6: Physical therapists shall
enhance their expertise through the
lifelong acquisition and refinement of
knowledge, skills, abilities, and
professional behaviors.
(Core Value: Excellence)
6A. Physical therapists shall achieve and maintain
professional competence.
6B. Physical therapists shall take responsibility for their
professional development based on critical self-assessment
and reflection on changes in physical therapist practice,
education, health care delivery, and technology.
6C. Physical therapists shall evaluate the strength of evidence
and applicability of content presented during professional
development activities before integrating the content or
techniques into practice.
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 6D. Physical therapists shall cultivate practice environments
that support professional development, lifelong learning, and
excellence.
G. Principle #7: Physical therapists shall
promote organizational behaviors and
business practices that benefit patients
and clients and society.
(Core Values: Integrity, Accountability)

7A. Physical therapists shall promote practice environments

that support autonomous and accountable professional
judgments.

7B. Physical therapists shall seek remuneration as is deserved

and reasonable for physical therapist services.

7C. Physical therapists shall not accept gifts or other

considerations that influence or give an appearance of
influencing their professional judgment.

7D. Physical therapists shall fully disclose any financial

interest they have in products or services that they
recommend to patients and clients.

7E. Physical therapists shall be aware of charges and shall

ensure that documentation and coding for physical therapist
services accurately reflect the nature and extent of the
services provided.

7F. Physical therapists shall refrain from employment

arrangements, or other arrangements, that prevent physical
therapists from fulfilling professional obligations to patients
and clients.
H. Principle #8: Physical therapists shall
participate in efforts to meet the health
needs of people locally, nationally, or
globally.
(Core Value: Social Responsibility)

8A. Physical therapists shall provide pro bono physical

therapist services or support organizations that meet the
health needs of people who are economically disadvantaged,
uninsured, and underinsured.

8B. Physical therapists shall advocate to reduce health

disparities and health care inequities, improve access to
health care services, and address the health, wellness, and
preventive health care needs of people.

8C. Physical therapists shall be responsible stewards of health

care resources and shall avoid overutilization or under-
utilization of physical therapist services.

8D. Physical therapists shall educate members of the public

about the benefits of physical therapy and the unique role of
the physical therapist.

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