PT 653: Legal and Ethical Issues for Physical Therapists
This course provides the physical therapist clinical doctoral learner with foundational information as to legal, ethical and administrative decision-making processes regarding issues often encountered in clinical practice. Specific topics include PT malpractice, legal aspects of documentation, informed consent, sexual harassment and misconduct, professional responsibility, preparation for a deposition, criminal/contract/ education law issues, and liability risk management. There is also an optional lecture on managed care issues. Utilizing theoretical frameworks, case-based decision-making situations are presented. The applications presented emphasize the ethical/legal responsibilities of the physical therapist as an autonomous practitioner.