Ethical Decision-Making in Physical Therapy |
Principle 9A physical therapist shall protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, and illegal acts. The principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence are evident in this principle related to consumer protection. Physical therapists have the obligation to protect patients by not engaging in and by reporting conduct that is unethical, incompetent, or illegal. Therapists must not exploit patients due to financial arrangements. If there is a financial arrangement with a referral source, full disclosure is mandated. Respect for our patients' right to choose their health care provider is revealed in this principle. Refer back to Case 14. What if the therapist decides to continue working in the home health agency and agrees to see all patients for a minimum of ten visits? If you know that patients are receiving physical therapy care that is unnecessary and is being done solely for financial gain, you are obligated to report the physical therapist to both the state licensing board as well as the state chapter of the APTA. Those agencies and organizations will investigate to determine if the behavior is unethical and/or illegal.
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