Ethical Conduct for Physical Therapist Assistants

Establishes ethical obligations for physical therapist assistants, ensuring respect for individuals and their rights, while prioritizing patient needs.

Recognizing the fundamental worth and entitlement to respect of all individuals, regardless of their personal characteristics.

Acting in a courteous and considerate manner towards all individuals, avoiding discrimination based on personal attributes.

Recognizing and managing personal prejudices to ensure fair and unbiased treatment of patients.

Prioritizing the well-being of the patient over the physical therapist assistant's personal interests.

Acting reliably, ethically, and with empathy and care toward patient's needs.

Fundamental principles guiding ethical conduct, like accountability, altruism, and respect for others.

A healthcare professional who works under the supervision of physical therapists.

Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions.

Supporting patients to become more self-sufficient in health and wellbeing.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) have specific duties and ethical guidelines to follow in their work.

PTAs must treat patients with empathy, understanding their individual needs and cultural background.

PTAs must share information about their treatments with patients but protect private details.

PTAs need to partner with physical therapists for decisions and treatment plans.

PTAs should make choices that benefit patients regardless of other factors.

PTAs should base their actions on the most effective and helpful physical therapy strategies.

PTAs should avoid situations that could affect their ability to make impartial decisions.

PTAs must receive direction and supervision from physical therapists and keep them informed about patients' status.

PTAs must be respectful and honest in how they interact with all people they work with.

PTAs must present facts and details accurately and not mislead anyone.

Unwelcome verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual conduct that creates a hostile environment.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) have a duty to report illegal or unethical acts by healthcare professionals, including harassment, to appropriate authorities.

PTAs must report suspected cases of abuse involving children or vulnerable adults to the appropriate authorities, following legal guidelines.

PTAs are bound by local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ethical principles governing their profession.

PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists (PTs) to ensure quality patient care and safety.

PTAs involved in research must follow ethical standards protecting research participants, ensuring their safety and welfare.

PTAs are encouraged to assist colleagues struggling with physical, psychological, or substance-related impairments that affect their professional responsibilities.

PTAs must report to the appropriate authority if they know a colleague is unable to perform their professional duties with reasonable skill and safety.

PTAs are expected to continuously learn and refine their knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout their careers.

PTAs should support work environments that encourage professional development and lifelong learning.

Physical therapist assistants should not accept gifts that could influence their decisions, even if it seems like a small thing.

PTAs must be transparent about any money they make from products or services they recommend to patients.

PTAs must write down exactly what services they provided to patients.

PTAs cannot work in ways that prevent them from putting their patients first.

PTAs should participate in helping people around the world, even if it's not their patients.

PTAs should support groups that help people who can't afford healthcare.

PTAs should stand up for the rights of people with disabilities so they can participate in life.

PTAs should work with physical therapists to use healthcare funding wisely.

PTAs should teach people about the benefits of physical therapy.

PTAs have a duty to help people, even if it goes beyond their patients, because they're part of a larger community.