STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT HOD S06-00-13-24 (Program 17)  [Amended HOD 06-91-06-07; Initial HOD 06-82-04-08] [Standard]

PREAMBLE

This document of the American Physical Therapy Association sets forth standards for the ethical conduct of the physical therapist assistant.   All physical therapist assistants are responsible for maintaining high standards of conduct while assisting physical therapists.  The physical therapist assistant shall act in the best interest of the patient/client.  These standards of conduct shall be binding on all physical therapist assistants.

STANDARD 1
A physical therapist assistant shall respect the rights and dignity of all individuals and shall provide compassionate care.

STANDARD 2
A physical therapist assistant shall act in a trustworthy manner towards patients/clients.

STANDARD 3
A physical therapist assistant shall provide selected physical therapy interventions only under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist.

STANDARD 4
A physical therapist assistant shall comply with laws and regulations governing physical therapy.

STANDARD 5
A physical therapist assistant shall achieve and maintain competence in the provision of selected physical therapy interventions.

STANDARD 6
A physical therapist assistant shall make judgments that are commensurate with their educational and legal qualifications as a physical therapist assistant.

STANDARD 7
A physical therapist assistant shall protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, and illegal acts.

(See also Ethics and Judicial Committee document Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant)

(Program 17 – Judicial/Legal Issues, ext 3253)