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APTA is the definitive source for standards of ethics and professionalism in the physical therapy profession.
The standards for ethics and professionalism in physical therapy are established by the following APTA policies:
- Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist.
- Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA.
- Core Values for the PT and PTA.
- Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy.
If you believe that a PT or PTA member of APTA has violated the association's ethical standards, you may file a complaint to APTA's Ethics and Judicial Committee.
Recommended Content
Aug 15, 2023 / Interview
One of the biggest ethical issues in the profession is balancing productivity and quality patient care.
Feb 16, 2023 / Article
The Ethics and Judicial Committee picked their top 10 articles of relevance for PTs, PTAs, and students in 2023.
Sep 1, 2019 / Open Access
Use these resources to understand professionalism and support your ongoing development.
Jan 1, 2022 / Article
Access considerations, guidelines, tools and resources to help you with general clinical decision-making in physical therapist practice.
Aug 1, 2019 / Article
PTs and PTAs practice in an environment that requires compliance with health care laws, rules, and regulations.
Additional Ethics and Professionalism Content
Aug 11, 2023 / Article
Discover the pressing need for translating research findings into practical clinical applications within the field of physical therapy.
Aug 1, 2023 / News
Stacey Dusing, PT, PhD, FAPTA, believes it's time to close the gaps between research and practice.
May 25, 2023 / Article
The COVID-19 pandemic posed ethical challenges to the physical therapy profession.
Apr 12, 2023 / News
The physical therapy profession has evolved, and so has its foundational resource.
Aug 14, 2022 / Article
Watch the 2022 annual address on the importance of foresight in the physical therapy profession.
May 1, 2022 / Column
On occasion, the lines blur and we may step outside of our professional scope with potential consequences.
Feb 1, 2022 / Column
Every practice setting has its challenges and special circumstances, but they all share professional expectations and responsibilities.
Nov 1, 2021 / Column
We all try to balance our work and personal lives, but some situations can create ethical risk factors that might result in poor decisions.
Sep 21, 2021 / Policies & Bylaws
House position: Outlines how the core values guide the behavior of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to provide the highest quality of physical therapy services.
Sep 11, 2021 / Article
Drugs contribute to falls, mortality, and obesity. That is why as a clinician it is important to help patients model healthy behaviors.