Title: Code of Ethics
Course: PHT 2931 Trends in Physical Therapy > Section: Module 1

Introduction

Before we begin the course you will introduce yourself and you will practice posting to the discussion forum and upload assignments in Blackboard. Please review the course site; course syllabus; along with check out the modules and the course calendar. We will begin to look at the APTA’s Code of Ethics. In the course of your career as a PTA, you will likely come across many different situations when working with patients and other professionals that will require you to apply ethical principles to guide you in your professional conduct. Many of these situations may be clear cut in their interpretation. Just as many (or more) may involve “gray areas” which may be open to debate.

The American Physical Therapy Association has set Standards for Ethical Conduct for PTAs and PTs. They are intended to guide the PTA and PT in “applying general ethical principles to specific situations”.

The Ethical and Judicial Committee of the APTA has also written a separate document called the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist. This guide is intended to help PTAs and PTs in interpreting the Standards of Ethical Conduct (It is sort of like a manual to explain the Standards better).

You should be aware that in July 2010, the APTA put a revised “Code of Ethics” and “Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA” into effect. It is intended to provide greater clarification of ethical obligations and “better addresses the complexities encountered in the contemporary healthcare environment”. It is available on the APTA website. For this assignment, we will use the existing Standards and Guidelines.

Outcomes

This module covers the following outcomes:

- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
- Demonstrate computer literacy
- Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations
- Demonstrate Legal and Ethical Responsibility
- Demonstrate Legal and Ethical practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant

Objectives

Upon successful completion, the student should be able to:

- Distinguish between good and bad ethical principles
- Explain some of the complexities with healthcare in regards to physical therapy
- Describe good ethics in regards to clinical locations with physical therapy treatments

Readings and Resources

- www.APTA.org
  - The readings this week will be found on the APTA’s website. Please follow the directions under assignments to locate the web address and required readings.

Assignments

- Complete Student Contract (in Syllabus section)
- Introduce yourself in the Discussion 1 - Introduction
- Complete Assignment 1
- Complete Case Study Assignment.