Advanced Physical Therapy

Code of Ethics

Purpose

To provide a mechanism for considering ethical issues arising in the care of patients. Ethical issues may be raised by staff members, patients, or referral sources.

Policy

Ethical issues include, but are not limited to, medical/staff conduct, patient confidentiality, involvement of patient in research, a family’s right to participate in care decisions, refusal of treatment, malpractice liability, etc.

A. Personnel Behaviors

1. All personnel will demonstrate respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals
2. All personnel will comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of their specialty and the provision of services.
3. All personnel will maintain and promote competence and high standards of quality care.
4. All personnel will provide accurate information to the consumer about the clinic and about the services they provide.
5. All personnel will maintain relationships that do not exploit other personnel or the persons served sexually, physically, emotionally, financially, socially, or in any other manner.
6. All personnel will maintain the highest standards of patient confidentiality.
7. All personnel will present a professional and dignified image to the patients.
8. All personnel will treat each patient with equal respect regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, activity and participation limitations
9. All personnel will respect each employee’s professional position and workplace.

B. Business and Marketing Practices

1. The clinic will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
2. The clinic will seek remuneration for services that are deserved and responsible.
3. The clinic will accept the responsibility to protect personnel and patients from unethical, incompetent, or illegal acts.
4. The clinic will conduct all communications in a professional manner to the public served and to its employees.
5. The clinic will adhere to high standards of honesty, accuracy, and fairness and will not mislead patients and cause them to request or continue services that they do not reasonably need.
6. The clinic will use only honest, accurate, and fair statements in the preparation of marketing materials.
7. The clinic will provide the appropriate number of staff with the appropriate level of skill and supervision and in compliance with all state and federal regulations:
• When non-licensed workers are used, the clinic will assume that they have had appropriate training; the employee must meet minimal competency standards, and work only under the direct and on-site supervision of licensed staff.

Procedure

1. During the admission process, the patient will receive information concerning the rights and responsibilities as a patient.
2. The patient will be directed to the Administrator for any ethical concerns.
3. An incident report will be completed immediately by the Administrator. The Administrator and President will convene within 24 hours of the incident. Additional members may be invited to attend, as necessary. The Administrator and President will prepare a response to the appropriate party within 72 hours.
4. If an employee is the cause of an ethical concern, this must be reported to the Administrator and/or President. Administration will meet with the employee and any other involved party as deemed appropriate. The Administrator and/or President will investigate the alleged violation, determine whether the violation can be verified and determine a corrective plan of action. Based on the seriousness of the violation, the corrective action plan may result in suspension or termination.
5. The Administrator will implement the action plan and follow-up.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all personnel and Administration to follow this procedure.