Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the ethical issues that Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants may face in regards to protecting children from child abuse. Using the real and very serious issue of child abuse this course will show you how ethical principles are applied in the professional life of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. The therapist will learn how to recognize signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and neglect, and will be better informed about our ethical and professional responsibilities when it comes to protecting a child from abuse. This course includes and applies the APTA Code of Ethics for the PT, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, the Guide for Professional Conduct for the PT and PTA, and discusses what your requirements are ethically and under the law in reporting child abuse. Application of a practical and useful Model for Decision Making is included as a helpful tool to use in the clinical setting.