Course Code: REL-RTS-0-EJTP
Hours: 4
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026
Learning Objectives:
Identify ethical principles within physical therapy practice related to patient care, confidentiality, and informed consent.
Recognize factors that impact ethical decision making in physical therapy, including federal laws and state practice acts.
Select appropriate responses to common ethical dilemmas in physical therapy using the APTA Code of Ethics, Standards of Ethical Conduct, and Core Values.
Identify steps necessary to resolve ethical dilemmas.
Identify ethical considerations and best practices in situations involving complex topics, including telehealth practice, advanced directives, patient refusals, cognitively impaired patients, and artificial intelligence.
Identify the purpose and key provisions of the Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Recognize the General Rules Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy (1150-01) and how they define professional responsibilities, including supervision, continuing competence, advertising, and disciplinary procedures.
Recall key Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy policy statements related to licensure, continuing competence, referrals, discharge documentation, and scope of practice.
Outline:
Section 1: Foundational Concepts
Common Ethical Concerns in Physical Therapy
Ethics, Morals, and the Law
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Healthcare Laws
Key Healthcare Laws
Ms. Madan
Compliance and Reporting Violations
Key Takeaways
Section 3: The APTA Ethical Codes and Core Values
APTA Core Ethical Documents
Ethical Codes
Review
APTA Core Values
Practice Applying the Ethical Codes
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Resolving Ethical Dilemmas and the 8-Step Method
Ethical Issues Versus Ethical Dilemmas
Resolving Ethical Dilemmas in Practice
8 Steps to Resolve an Ethical Dilemma
Review
Handling the Outcome
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Complex Ethical Topics
Cultural Humility
Telehealth
Refusal of Treatment
Review
Cognitive Impairment and Informed Consent
Advanced Directives
Artificial Intelligence
Key Takeaways
Section 6: Overview of TN Laws, Regulations, and Governance
Statutes and Rules Governing Practice
Practice Act
General Rules: Introduction and Definitions
Scope of Practice
Dry Needling
Review
Supervision
Key Takeaways
Section 7: Licensure and Continuing Competence
Licensure Requirements and Process
Review
License Renewal, Retirement, and Reactivation
Continuing Competence
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 8: Advertising, Professional Conduct, and Disciplinary Actions
Advertising
Review
Professional Responsibilities and Regulatory Compliance
Disciplinary Actions
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 9: Relevant Policy Statements
Introduction
Compliance and Licensing Policies
Review
Patient Access and Documentation Policies
Scope of Practice Policies
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 10: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Richard Clark, PT, DSc, SCS
Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Physical Therapy from Wichita State University, as well as a Doctor of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Baylor University. While serving in the Air Force, Rick completed an 18-month Sports Residency at West Point Military Academy and is an ABPTS Sports Certified Specialist. He previously served as the ABPTS Chair of the Sports Specialty Council, and currently serves as an ABPTRFE subject matter expert for residency and fellowship accreditation. He has over 23 years of clinical experience working in predominantly sports and orthopedic settings, as well as extensive administrative experience. He has a strong manual therapy and acute sports injury management background, with additional training in Maitland Mobilizations, Integrative Dry Needling, and acute management of the sport and tactical athlete. As faculty at the Tennessee State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Rick enjoys conducting research, identifying best practices, and imparting his experience and knowledge of physical therapy to the next generation of PTs.
Writer: Nicole Fogarty, PT, DPT
Nicole Fogarty holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University. She has experience treating patients with cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, and neurological impairments in the inpatient setting. She also has experience in outpatient orthopedics. She has additional training in medical screening, lumbopelvic examination and treatment, and treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Nicole enjoys using her clinical experience and interest in current rehabilitation research as a Physical Therapy writer for Relias.
Writer: Ann Elsasser-Root PT, DPT
Ann Elsasser-Root holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Geriatric Clinical Specialist with experience in multiple care settings, including skilled nursing, independent living, inpatient rehab, and outpatient orthopedic and neurology. Ann is most passionate about treating older adults to improve their quality of life and maximize functional independence. As a curriculum designer for Relias, she enjoys combining her clinical knowledge with her interest in research and staying up-to-date with changes and advances in the field of rehabilitation.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Basic level Physical Therapist; Basic level Physical Therapy Assistant; in the following settings: Assisted Living Facility, Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Home Health Agencies, Hospitals: Acute, Skilled Nursing Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.