This course provides an analysis of the physical therapist’s professional responsibilities, professionalism, values, ethical and other issues that influence the management of patients. Information from the Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy and the Guide for Professional Conduct are essential components of this course. Patient rights, domestic violence and interpersonal abuse; substance abuse; and terminal illness are also topics for class discussion as they relate to physical rehabilitation. In addition, this course focuses on employment settings, legal issues regarding Physical Therapist Assistants, the structure of the American Physical Therapy Association, regulations, policies, practice acts, federal legislation, and direct access to patients. Additionally, the legal aspects of professional practice including basic elements of contract law, criminal law, educational law, employment law, insurance law, and business law are covered in general terms. The course also includes specific issues in health care ethics such as informed consent, confidentiality, conflict of interest, sexual harassment, and ethics in research, education, and patient care delivery.
- Teacher: Jaime Dehan
- Teacher: Taylor Rees