With increased scrutiny on the medical industry, ethical and legal protection has been pushed to the forefront of practice.  This session will take a deep look into the purpose of the code and how it may protect you…legally.  We will explore each principle in the code and examine real ethical case examples of clinicians and the consequences of adhering or not adhering to the code.  We will also discuss how you can report an ethical issue, a compliance concern, or a licensing concern through the proper channels while protecting yourself.  By attending this session, you will gain a strong understanding of ethics beyond just a “code”.

Objectives

1. Demonstrate the purpose of a code of ethics and the difference between ethics and law
2. Assess each ethical principle in the code, the standard of conduct, and the application of each principle through case studies
3. Demonstrate the steps for reporting an ethics complaint, a licensing concern, or a compliance concern

Outline

Purpose of a Code of Ethics

• Two-fold purpose
• Free-standing guide
• Purpose of a “code”
• Law versus ethics
  • CFR
  • State Law
  • Administrative rule
• Is the code Law in your state?

Ethical Principles

• Identify each principle
• Standards of conduct
• Application of each principle through case studies

Steps for Reporting

• Compliance reporting (entity, corporation)
  • Actual compliance reporting example
  • Confidentiality vs anonymity
• License reporting (individual)
• Ethics reporting (association) 

Target Audience

• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Speech/Language Pathologist
• Athletic Trainer