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APTA is the definitive source for standards of ethics and professionalism in the physical therapy profession.
The standards for ethics in physical therapy are established by the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession. It is effective Jan. 1, 2026.
If you believe that a physical therapist or physical therapist member of APTA has violated the association's ethical standards, you may file a complaint to APTA's Ethics and Judicial Committee. Please refer to the Disciplinary Action Procedural .
Complaints filed after Jan. 1, 2026, but arising from conduct that occurred under the authority of the previous Code of Ethics, may be adjudicated under the previous Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA. Other ethics documents include:
Recommended Content
Aug 15, 2023 / Interview
One of the biggest ethical issues in the profession is balancing productivity and quality patient care.
Feb 16, 2023 / Article
The Ethics and Judicial Committee picked their top 10 articles of relevance for PTs, PTAs, and students in 2023.
Sep 1, 2019 / Open Access
Use these resources to understand professionalism and support your ongoing development.
Jan 1, 2022 / Article
Access considerations, guidelines, tools and resources to help you with general clinical decision-making in physical therapist practice.
Aug 1, 2019 / Article
PTs and PTAs practice in an environment that requires compliance with health care laws, rules, and regulations.
Additional Ethics and Professionalism Content
Mar 4, 2026 / Article
Feb 24, 2026 / Podcast
Feb 1, 2026 / Article
Practical examples of how the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession offers clear guidance for PTs and PTAs.
Feb 1, 2026 / Column
What one difficult patient taught a physical therapist about bias, burnout, and the human side of effective care.
Feb 1, 2026 / Feature
Ethical decision-making in health care is being tested as never before. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are navigating pressures from technology, productivity metrics, payer constraints, and shifting patient expectations.
Jan 6, 2026 / Podcast
In this episode, ethics experts discuss the development of the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Jan 2, 2026 / News
Jan 1, 2026 / Policies & Bylaws
The vision of the American Physical Therapy Association is "transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience." Our profession’s charge, as we strive to be an inclusive moral community that is diverse and equitable, is to meet the health needs of all people.
Nov 25, 2025 / News
Oct 1, 2025 / Column
Chronic pain affects millions, yet patients often feel unheard. Learn how shifting from notetaking to true dialogue can build trust and improve outcomes.