Ethics

Central to the mission of the Illinois Physical Therapy Association is promotion of the ethical best practice of physical therapy.  The Illinois Physical Therapy Act specifically incorporates the American Physical Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics as part of the Act.(Section 1340.65 Unprofessional Conduct).  Adherence to this code of ethics is part of Illinois law, whether or not the PT is a member of the APTA or IPTA.

Physical Therapist Code of Ethics

PREAMBLE
This Code of Ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association sets forth principles for the ethical practice of physical therapy. All physical therapists are responsible for maintaining and promoting ethical practice. To this end, the physical therapist shall act in the best interest of the patient/client. This Code of Ethics shall be binding on all physical therapists.

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

PRINCIPLE 2
A physical therapist shall act in a trustworthy manner towards patients/clients, and in all other aspects of physical therapy practice.

PRINCIPLE 3
A physical therapist shall comply with laws and regulations governing physical therapy and shall strive to effect changes that benefit patients/clients.

PRINCIPLE 4
A physical therapist shall exercise sound professional judgment.

PRINCIPLE 5
A physical therapist shall achieve and maintain professional competence.

PRINCIPLE 6
A physical therapist shall maintain and promote high standards for physical therapy practice, education and research.

PRINCIPLE 7
A physical therapist shall seek only such remuneration as is deserved and reasonable for physical therapy services.

PRINCIPLE 8
A physical therapist shall provide and make available accurate and relevant information to patients/clients about their care and to the public about physical therapy services.

PRINCIPLE 9
A physical therapist shall protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, and illegal acts.

PRINCIPLE 10
A physical therapist shall endeavor to address the health needs of society.

PRINCIPLE 11
A physical therapist shall respect the rights, knowledge, and skills of colleagues and other health care professionals

HOD 06-00-12-23 (Program 17) ) [Amended HOD 06-91-05-05; HOD 06-87-11-17; HOD 06-81-06-18; HOD 06-78-06-08; HOD 06-78-06-07; HOD 06-77-18-30; HOD 06-77-17-27; Initial HOD 06-73-13-24]

APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant

While not specifically referenced in Illinois law, the APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant are equally important in the promotion of the ethical best practice of physical therapy in Illinois.

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.

HOD 06-00-13-24
(Program 17) [Amended HOD 06-91-06-07; Initial HOD 06-82-04-08]

Important Links

APTA Ethics Resources

APTA Books on Ethics