PROFESSIONAL

CONDUCT
 PURPOSE

The APTA Guide for Professional Conduct (Guide) is intended to serve physical therapists in
interpreting the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist (Code of Ethics) of the American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in matters of professional conduct. The APTA House
of Delegates in June of 2009 adopted a revised Code of Ethics, which became effective July
1, 2010.
PURPOSE CONT.

The Guide provides a framework by which physical therapists may determine the propriety
of their conduct. It also is intended to guide the professional development of physical
therapist students. The Code of Ethics and the Guide apply to all physical therapists. These
guidelines are subject to change as the dynamics of the profession change, and as new
patterns of health care delivery are developed and accepted by the professional community
and the public.
RESPECT

Physical therapists shall act in a respectful manner toward each person regardless of age,
gender, race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, social or economic status, sexual orientation,
health condition, or disability.

Interpretation

the display of respect toward others. Unfortunately, there is no universal consensus about
what respect looks like in every situation. For example, direct eye contact is viewed as respectful
and courteous in some cultures and inappropriate in others. It is up to the individual to assess the
appropriateness of behavior in various situations
ALTRUISM

Physical therapists shall adhere to the core values of the profession and shall act in
the best interests of patients/clients over the interests of the physical therapist

Interpretation:

physical therapists to adhere to the profession’s core values and act in the best interest of
patients and clients over the interests of the physical therapist. Often this is done without
thought, but, sometimes, especially at the end of the day when the physical therapist is fatigued
and ready to go home, it is a conscious decision. For example, the physical therapist may need
to make a decision between leaving on time and staying at work longer to see a patient who
was 15 minutes late for an appointment.
PATIENT AUTONOMY

Physical therapists shall provide the information necessary to allow patients or their surrogates to
make informed decisions about physical therapy care or participation in clinical research.

Interpretation:

The physical therapist to respect patient autonomy. To do so, he or she shall communicate to the
patient or client the findings of the physical therapist examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis.
The physical therapist shall use sound professional judgment in informing the patient or client of any
substantial risks of the recommended examination and intervention and shall collaborate with the individual
to establish the goals of treatment and the plan of care. Ultimately, the physical therapist shall respect the
individual’s right to make decisions regarding the recommended plan of care,
including consent, modification, or refusal
PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT

3.Physical therapists shall be accountable for making sound professional judgments.

3(a)Physical therapists shall demonstrate independent and objective professional judgment

3(b)Physical therapists shall

Principles 3, 3A, and 3B state that it is the physical therapist’s obligation to exercise
sound professional judgment, based upon his or her knowledge, skill, training, and experience.
Principle 3B further describes the physical therapist’s judgment as being informed by 3 elements of evidence
based practice.

With regard to the patient and client management role, once a physical therapist accepts an individual for
physical therapy services he or she shall be responsible for: the examination, evaluation, and diagnosis of that
individual; the prognosis and intervention; reexamination and modification of the plan of care; and the maintenance
of adequate records, including progress reports. The physical therapist shall establish the plan of care and shall
provide and/or supervise and direct the appropriate interventions. Regardless of practice setting, the physical
therapist has primary responsibility for the physical therapy care of a patient or client and shall make independent
judgments regarding that care consistent with accepted professional standards
SUPERVISION

Physical therapists shall provide appropriate direction of and communication with physical therapist assistants
and support personnel.

Interpretation:
describes an additional circumstance in which sound professional judgment is required; namely, through the
appropriate direction of and communication with physical therapist assistants and support personnel. Further
information on supervision via applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations (including state practice
acts and administrative codes) is available.
 INTEGRITY IN RELATIONSHIPS

Physical therapists shall demonstrate integrity in their relationships with patients/clients, families,
colleagues, students, research participants, other health care providers, employers, payers, and the
public. (Core Value: Integrity)

Interpretation:
Principle addresses the need for integrity in relationships. This is not limited to relationships
with patients and clients but includes everyone physical therapists come into contact with
professionally. For example, demonstrating integrity could encompass working collaboratively
with the health care team and taking responsibility for one’s role as a member of that team.
REPORTING

Physical therapists shall discourage misconduct by health care professionals and report illegal or
unethical acts to the relevant authority, when appropriate.

Interpretation: Physical therapists shall seek to discourage misconduct by health care professionals.
Discouraging misconduct can be accomplished through a number of mechanisms. The following is not
an exhaustive list:
• Do not engage in misconduct; instead, set a good example for health care professionals and others
working in their immediate environment.
• Encourage or recommend to the appropriate individuals
that health care and other professionals, such as legal counsel, conduct regular (such as annual) training
that addresses federal and state law requirements, such as billing, best practices, harassment, and security
and privacy; as such training can educate health care professionals on what to do and not to do.
• Encourage or recommend to the appropriate individuals other types of training that are not law based,
such as bystander training. • Assist in creating a culture that is positive and civil to all.

• If in a management position, think about promotion and hiring decisions and how they can impact
the organization.

• Access professional association resources when considering best practices.

• Revisit policies and procedures each year to remain current.

Physical Therapists shall not harass anyone verbally, physically, emotionally, or sexually.

As noted in the House of Delegates policy titled Sexual Harassment, “[m]embers of the association
have an obligation to comply with applicable legal prohibitions against sexual harassment….”
This statement is in line with Principle 4F that prohibits physical therapists from harassing anyone verbally,
physically, emotionally, or sexually. While the principle is clear, it is important for APTA to restate this point,
namely that physical therapists shall not harass anyone, period. The association has zero tolerance for any
form of harassment, specifically including sexual harassment.
EXPLOITATION

Physical therapists shall not engage in any sexual relationship with any of their patient/clients, supervisees
or students.

Interpretation: The statement is clear—sexual relationships with their patients or clients, supervisees,
or students are prohibited. This component of Principle 4 is consistent with Principle 4B, which states:
Physical therapists shall not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative, or other authority
(eg, patients and clients, students, supervisees, research participants, or employees).
COLLEAGUE IMPAIRMENT

5D. Physical therapists shall encourage colleagues with physical, psychological, or substance-related
impairments that may adversely impact their professional responsibilities to seek assistance or
counsel.

5E. Physical therapists who have knowledge that a colleague is unable to perform their professional
responsibilities with reasonable skill and safety shall report the information to the appropriate
authority.
Interpretation: The central tenet of Principles 5D and 5E is that inaction is not an option for a physical therapist
when faced with the circumstances described. Principle 5D states that a physical therapist shall encourage
colleagues to seek assistance or counsel while Principle 5E addresses reporting information to the appropriate
authority.
5D and 5E both require a factual determination. This may be challenging in the sense that the physical therapist
might not know or easily be able to determine whether someone in fact has a physical, psychological, or
substance-related impairment. In addition, it might be difficult to determine whether such impairment may
be adversely affecting his or her professional responsibilities.