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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.
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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.
Sep 1, 2017 / Resource
This document provides information on how to comply with the relevant laws and regulations by identifying risk areas that could lead to potential liability.
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
May 1, 2022 / Column
On occasion, the lines blur and we may step outside of our professional scope with potential consequences.
Feb 1, 2022 / Column
Every practice setting has its challenges and special circumstances, but they all share professional expectations and responsibilities.
Nov 1, 2021 / Column
We all try to balance our work and personal lives, but some situations can create ethical risk factors that might result in poor decisions.
Sep 21, 2021 / Policies & Bylaws
House position: Outlines how the core values guide the behavior of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to provide the highest quality of physical therapy services.
Aug 1, 2021 / Column
The transition from hospital to school-based setting brings up questions of authority.
Apr 1, 2021 / Column
Understand your legal obligations to your patients.
Dec 1, 2020 / Column
Unilateral action, a dual relationship, and unintended consequences.
Nov 1, 2020 / Column
When a situation feels wrong, in all likelihood it is.