Guide for Conduct of the Affiliate Member.

PURPOSE

This Guide is intended to serve physical therapist assistants who are affiliate members of the American Physical Therapy Association in the interpretation of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, providing guidelines by which they may determine the propriety of their conduct. These guidelines are subject to change as new patterns of health care delivery are developed and accepted by the professional community and the public. This Guide is subject to monitoring and timely revision by the Judicial Committee of the Association.

INTERPRETING STANDARDS

The interpretations expressed in this Guide are not to be considered all inclusive of situations that could evolve under a specific standard of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, but reflect the opinions, decisions, and advice of the Judicial Committee. While the statements of ethical standards apply universally, specific circumstances determine their appropriate application. Input related to current interpretations, or to situations requiring interpretation, is encouraged from APTA members.

STANDARD 1

Physical therapist assistants provide services under the supervision of a physical therapist.

1.1 Supervisory Relationships

Physical therapist assistants shall work under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist who is properly credentialed in the jurisdiction in which the physical therapist assistant practices.

1.2 Performance of Service

   A. Physical therapist assistants may not initiate or alter a treatment
   program without prior evaluation by and approval of the supervising
   physical therapist.

   B. Physical therapist assistants may modify a specific treatment procedure
   in accordance with changes in patient status.

   C. Physical therapist assistants may not interpret data beyond the scope of
   their physical therapist assistant education.

   D. Physical therapist assistants may respond to inquiries regarding patient
   status to appropriate parties within the protocol established by a
   supervising physical therapist.

   E. Physical therapist assistants shall refer inquiries regarding patient
   prognosis to a supervising physical therapist.

STANDARD 2

Physical therapist assistants respect the rights and dignity of all individuals.

2.1 Attitudes of Physical Therapist Assistants

   A. Physical therapist assistants shall recognize that each individual is
   different from all other individuals and respect and be responsive to those
   differences.

   B. Physical therapist assistants shall be guided at all times by concern
   for the dignity and welfare of those patients entrusted to their care.

   C. Physical therapist assistants shall not engage in conduct that
   constitutes harassment or abuse of, or discrimination against, colleagues,
   associates, or others.

2.2 Request for Release of Information

Physical therapist assistants shall refer all requests for release of confidential information to the supervising physical therapist.

2.3 Protection of Privacy

Physical therapist assistants must treat as confidential all information relating to the personal conditions and affairs of the persons whom they serve.

2.4 Patient Relations

Physical therapist assistants shall not engage in any sexual relationship or activity, whether consensual or nonconsensual, with any patient while a physical therapist assistant/patient relationship exists.

STANDARD 3

Physical therapist assistants maintain and promote high standards in the provision of services, giving the welfare of patients their highest regard.

3.1 Information About Services

   A. Physical therapist assistants may provide consumers with information
   regarding provision of services within the protocol established by a
   supervising physical therapist.

   B. Physical therapist assistants may not use, or participate in the use of,
   any form of communication containing a false, fraudulent, misleading,
   deceptive, unfair, or sensational statement or claim.

3.2 Organizational Employment

Physical therapist assistants shall advise their employer(s) of any employer practice which causes them to be in conflict with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.

3.3 Endorsement of Equipment

Physical therapist assistants may not endorse equipment or exercise influence on patients or families to purchase or lease equipment except as directed by a physical therapist acting in accord with the stipulation in paragraph 5.3.A. of the Guide for Professional Conduct.

3.4 Financial Considerations

Physical therapist assistants shall never place their own financial interest above the welfare of their patients.

3.5 Exploitation of Patients

Physical therapist assistants shall not participate in any arrangements in which patients are exploited. Such arrangements include situations where referring sources enhance their personal incomes as a result of referring for, delegating, prescribing, or recommending physical therapy services.

STANDARD 4

Physical therapist assistants provide services within the limits of the law.

4.1 Supervisory Relationships

Physical therapist assistants shall comply with all aspects of law. Regardless of the content of any law, physical therapist assistants shall provide services only under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist who is properly credentialed in the jurisdiction in which the physical therapist assistant practices.

4.2 Representation

Physical therapist assistants shall not hold themselves out as physical therapists.

STANDARD 5

Physical therapist assistants make those judgments that are commensurate with their qualifications as physical therapist assistants.

5.1 Patient Treatment

Physical therapist assistants shall report all untoward patient responses to a supervising physical therapist.

5.2 Patient Safety

   A. Physical therapist assistants may refuse to carry out treatment
   procedures that they believe to be not in the best interest of the patient.

   B. The physical therapist assistant shall not provide physical therapy
   services to a patient while under the influence of a substance that impairs
   his or her ability to do so safely.

5.3 Qualifications

Physical therapist assistants may not carry out any procedure that they are not qualified to provide.

5.4 Discontinuance of Treatment Program

Physical therapist assistants shall discontinue immediately any treatment procedures which in their judgment appear to be harmful to the patient.

5.5 Continued Education

Physical therapist assistants shall continue participation in various types of educational activities which enhance their skills and knowledge and provide new skills and knowledge.

STANDARD 6

Physical therapist assistants accept the responsibility to protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, or illegal acts.

6.1 Consumer Protection

Physical therapist assistants shall report any conduct which appears to be unethical or illegal.

Issued by Judicial Committee, APTA, October 1981 Last Amended January 1996