What to Know About the New Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession

About this episode

Experts discuss the new Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession and its implications for practice and emerging technologies.

In this episode, ethics experts discuss the development of the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession , which went into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Members of the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee and the Ethics Task Force break down what the code means for both everyday practice and the future of the profession. Plus, learn how the code was modernized to help PTs, PTAs, and students make ethical decisions in the era of AI and other emerging technologies. Learn more about the new code and other ethical milestones with these resources referenced in the episode: Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession Published in PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal in 2010: “ The Revised APTA Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant: Theory, Purpose, Process, and Significance ” The 31st Mary McMillan Lecture by Ruth B Purtilo, PT, PhD, FAPTA: “ A Time to Harvest, a Time to Sow: Ethics for a Shifting Landscape ” Reach out to ejc@apta.org with any questions about the code of ethics.

Topics covered

• Code of Ethics
• Physical Therapy
• Ethics in Healthcare
• AI in Healthcare
• Professional Standards

Keywords

• Code of Ethics
• Physical Therapy
• Ethics
• AI
• Professional Standards
• Ethical Decisions
• Healthcare

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: American Physical Therapy Association

Books & works: The Revised APTA Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant: Theory, Purpose, Process, and Significance, A Time to Harvest, a Time to Sow: Ethics for a Shifting Landscape

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