Physical therapist assistant ethical practice: What are the issues

This qualitative study investigated the issues regarding the ethical violations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts related to the practice of the physical therapist assistant. To accomplish this, a descriptive review of American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) core, and educational documents, a descriptive review of the New England state practice acts for physical therapist assistants, an online questionnaire, and telephone interviews with New England physical therapist assistant program directors, and academic coordinators of clinical education was necessary. Overall, the study analyzed the disparity between physical therapist and physical therapist assistant ethical requirements in APTA core documents, APTA educational documents, and New England state practice acts regarding the physical therapist assistant scope of practice, and licensure requirements. The study interviewed physical therapists in the role of program director or academic coordinators of clinical education for physical therapist assistant programs in New England. Participants demonstrated that there is evidence of inclusion of ethical content in the New England physical therapist assistant programs; however; increased parity should exist. Implications of the study call for a revision of the APTA code of ethics for the physical therapist assistant to be parallel with the physical therapist, and revision of the physical therapist assistant APTA core educational documents regarding ethical content for the physical therapist assistant.