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APTA is the definitive source for standards of ethics and professionalism in the physical therapy profession.
PTs and PTAs demonstrate ethics and professionalism by living their core values and working to achieve optimal health and wellness.
The standards for ethics and professionalism are established by the following:
- 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
Values-Based Behavior for the Physical Therapist Assistant (HOD P06-18-26-34) was incorporated into Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant | APTA and was rescinded by the House of Delegates in 2019.
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Sep 1, 2019 / Open Access
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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.
Jun 1, 2012 / Open Access
This guide is intended to serve PTs in interpreting the Code of Ethics.
Jun 1, 2012 / Open Access
This guide is intended to serve PTAs in interpreting the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
Additional Ethics and Professionalism Content
Aug 1, 2019 / Article
PTs and PTAs practice in an environment that requires compliance with health care laws, rules, and regulations.
Jul 26, 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.
Nov 25, 2020 / Column
Unilateral action, a dual relationship, and unintended consequences.
Oct 28, 2020 / Column
When a situation feels wrong, in all likelihood it is.
Sep 1, 2020 / Column
Silence isn't always golden. But finding one's voice in the moment can be difficult.
Jun 1, 2019 / Policies & Bylaws
House standard: Outlines and describes the code of ethics for physical therapists.