Listening Time — 33:47
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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.
Members of the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee and the Ethics Task Force break down what the code means for both everyday practice and the future of the profession. Plus, learn how the code was modernized to help PTs, PTAs, and students make ethical decisions in the era of AI and other emerging technologies.
Learn more about the new code and other ethical milestones with these resources referenced in the episode:
- Published in PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal in 2010: “The Revised APTA Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant: Theory, Purpose, Process, and Significance”
- The 31st Mary McMillan Lecture by Ruth B Purtilo, PT, PhD, FAPTA: “A Time to Harvest, a Time to Sow: Ethics for a Shifting Landscape”
Reach out to ejc@apta.org with any questions about the code of ethics.
Our Speakers
Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler, PT, DPT, PhD, board-certified orthopaedic clinical specialist, is an associate professor and practicing PT for the University of South Florida's School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa.
Nancy R. Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, is a professor of physical therapy and chairperson of the Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She is a former member of the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee and wrote the "Ethics in Practice” column in APTA Magazine for over 15 years.
Gail M. Jensen, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is vice provost for Learning and Assessment, dean emerita, and professor of physical therapy and holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Medical Humanities at Creighton University. She is a former chair of the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee and has authored or co-authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications.
Aliya Chaudry PT, DPT, JD, MBA, is a professor at Langston University in Oklahoma, where she designed the clinical education component of the university’s DPT program and later served as dean of the School of Physical Therapy. In addition to serving on the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee, she is chair of the Bylaws Committee for APTA Leadership & Innovation.