The physical therapist (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) are teammates whose bond and respective roles are codified by state or jurisdictional law and defined in the APTA position Direction and Supervision of the Physical Therapist Assistant. (See resources box on page 15.) Consider the ethical implications of the following scenario, in which these teammates—and a patient under their care—do not see eye-to-eye.

Honesty: The Best Policy?

Mark has been a PTA for more than a decade and has worked in home care for the past 3 years. He very much enjoys this practice setting, as he can see firsthand patients' surroundings and—within the bounds of PT direction and supervision—help them navigate challenges. He has a great working relationship with Sarah, his PT teammate, who values his skills and judgment and affords him as much autonomy as the state practice act and APTA policy allow.