Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist

The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist (Code of Ethics) delineates the ethical obligations of all physical

therapists as determined by the House of Delegates of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The purposes of this Code of Ethics are to:

1. Define the ethical principles that form the foundation of physical therapist practice in patient and client

management, consultation, education, research, and administration.

2. Provide standards of behavior and performance that form the basis of professional accountability to the

public.

3. Provide guidance for physical therapists facing ethical challenges, regardless of their professional roles

and responsibilities.

4. Educate physical therapists, students, other health care professionals, regulators, and the public regarding

the core values, ethical principles, and standards that guide the professional conduct of the physical

therapist.

5. Establish the standards by which the American Physical Therapy Association can determine if a physical

therapist has engaged in unethical conduct.

No code of ethics is exhaustive nor can it address every situation. Physical therapists are encouraged to seek

additional advice or consultation in instances where the guidance of the Code of Ethics may not be definitive.

The APTA Guide for Professional Conduct and Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist

Assistant provide additional guidance.

This Code of Ethics describes the desired behavior of physical therapists in their multiple roles (eg,

management of patients and clients, consultation, education, research, and administration), addresses

multiple aspects of ethical action (individual, organizational, and societal), and reflects the core values of the

physical therapist (accountability, altruism, collaboration, compassion and caring, duty, excellence, integrity,

and social responsibility). Throughout the document the primary core values that support specific principles

are indicated in parentheses. Unless a specific role is indicated in the principle, the duties and obligations

being delineated pertain to the five roles of the physical therapist. Fundamental to the Code of Ethics is the

special obligation of physical therapists to empower, educate, and enable those with impairments, activity

limitations, participation restrictions, and disabilities to facilitate greater independence, health, wellness, and

enhanced quality of life.

Physical therapists shall respect the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals. 

Physical therapists shall be trustworthy and compassionate in addressing the rights and

needs of patients and clients.

Physical therapists shall be accountable for making sound professional judgments.

Physical therapists shall demonstrate integrity in their relationships with patients and

clients, families, colleagues, students, research participants, other health care providers, employers,

payers, and the public

Physical therapists shall fulfill their legal and professional obligations.

Physical therapists shall enhance their expertise through the lifelong acquisition and

refinement of knowledge, skills, abilities, and professional behaviors.

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Physical therapists shall promote organizational behaviors and business practices that

benefit patients and clients and society.

Physical therapists shall participate in efforts to meet the health needs of people locally,

nationally, or globally.​

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