Principle 3
A physical therapist shall comply with laws and regulations governing physical therapy and shall strive to effect changes that benefit patients/clients.
This principle addresses professional practice and prohibits any "unlawful activity." Under Principle 3 (Standard 4 for physical therapist assistants), physical therapists must know and understand the practice act of the state in which they are practicing. As the saying goes, ignorance of the law is no excuse. The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners has made passing an administrative test that addresses the content of the practice act a requirement for license renewal for all therapists. While taking the exam therapists may refer to the state law. In this way therapists are able to review the provisions of the law and the rules.
Beyond the practice act,
therapists should also be familiar with pertinent state and federal laws that
affect their practices. Therapists should understand how to use students and
aides appropriately. Issues of insurance reimbursement, including Medicare laws
must be understood to avoid accusations of insurance fraud.
When this principle was amended in 2000, the House of Delegates added that therapists should work to change laws that affect patients and clients. The Guide addresses how we should work for laws that improve health care access and work to change unjust laws. A therapist must make an individual judgment how best to achieve this principle.
How is the following case related to Principle 3?