Ethics in Physical Therapy Practice

Ethics in Physical Therapy Practice

This course will begin with a brief review of key physical therapy documents that supply the foundation for ethical practice by physical therapy professionals: the APTA Code of Ethics, Guide for Professional Conduct, Core Professional Values, and the Model Practice Act. Common challenges to ethical practice in today’s complex health care environment, including telehealth and COVID-19 related issues, will then be discussed through presentation and case analysis utilizing the Realm-Internal Process-Situation Model (RIPS). Challenges to ethical practice discussed will also include common business practices of concern including professional autonomy, professional conduct and patients’ rights and welfare.

This course is designed to satisfy the requirement for 2.5 continuing education credits.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Lee Ann Guenther, PT, DPT, MS 

Lee Ann Guenther, PT, DPT, MS has been a NJ licensed physical therapist since graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with her PT degree in 1980. She has practiced in a variety of clinical settings including acute rehabilitation, acute care, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For the past eleven years, her primary practice has been providing pediatric school-based physical therapy.

Since 1989, Dr. Guenther has been on the faculty of the Physical Therapy Program at Stockton University where she served as the Director of Clinical Education for more than twenty-five years.  As a member of the faculty, Dr. Guenther taught entry level, as well as post-professional, classes on ethics. She has also taught New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners approved classes in “Ethics and Jurisprudence” or “Ethics” since the requirement was initiated in the 2008-2010 license cycle.

Dr. Guenther’s current research involves inter-professional education and its impact on practice. Related work has been presented at the Association of Schools of Allied Health’s National Conference, the international All Together Better Health Conference and APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). Dr. Guenther is also exploring the impact of a program of yoga and mindfulness on the behavior of school-aged children. Her past scholarly activity has involved the APTA professional core values and ethics in clinical decision-making of physical therapists. Related work has been presented at both WCPT and the APTA’s CSM; it has also been published in the PT Journal and the journal of the HPA Section. She is a former member of the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners and past Chair of the APTANJ Ethics Committee. Dr. Guenther continues to serve on the Ethics Committee and is a member of the Opioid Task Force.

Link to participate will be emailed to registrants prior to presentation date.

This presentation is offered as a live event only.