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APTA is the definitive source for standards of ethics and professionalism in the physical therapy profession.
The standards for ethics and professionalism in physical therapy are established by the following APTA policies:
- Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist.
- Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA.
- Core Values for the PT and PTA.
- Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy.
If you believe that a PT or PTA member of APTA has violated the association's ethical standards, you may file a complaint to APTA's Ethics and Judicial Committee.
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
Jun 1, 2025 / Column
An unexpected reunion between a PT and a patient 59 years later reveals the enduring power of human connection in healing.
May 1, 2025 / Column
How business practices in health care made us ethical double agents — and what ethicists recommend to navigate priorities.
Apr 1, 2025 / Article
Join one of two virtual town halls in April to add your thoughts to the Board motion being brought to the 2025 House of Delegates.
Apr 1, 2025 / Column
A physical therapist recalls a memorable patient and her struggles to make peace with the patient’s untimely death.
Feb 1, 2025 / Column
Physical Therapy as a Moral Community: Collaboration, Leadership, and Persistence
Oct 29, 2024 / Form
This valuable resource accompanies APTA's Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant, which guide the behaviors of PTs and PTAs to provide the highest quality of physical therapist services.
Aug 11, 2023 / Article
Discover the pressing need for translating research findings into practical clinical applications within the field of physical therapy.
Aug 1, 2023 / News
Stacey Dusing, PT, PhD, FAPTA, believes it's time to close the gaps between research and practice.
May 25, 2023 / Article
The COVID-19 pandemic posed ethical challenges to the physical therapy profession.
Apr 12, 2023 / News
The physical therapy profession has evolved, and so has its foundational resource.