On July 14, 2025, the APTA House of Delegates officially adopted The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession. This updated Code combines into one document the current Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
The new code will be effective on Jan. 1, 2026, with education efforts to begin membership-wide on that date. The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession aligns with widely accepted ethical principles and articulates the ethical responsibilities expected of all professionals in the field of physical therapy.
As part of the implementation, any complaints regarding alleged violations of the Code of Ethics that occur on or after Jan. 1, 2026, will be assessed under the new guidelines. Complaints related to conduct that occurred prior to this date may continue to be accepted and evaluated based on the existing Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant and the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist, through Dec. 31, 2027. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance ethical practice and uphold the integrity of the profession.
The new Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession will be posted on apta.org on Jan. 1, 2026.
Please reach out to ejc@apta.org with any questions.
