Boundaries within relationships between patients and their physical therapist or physical therapist assistant are important in supporting trust in therapeutic relationships. Clinicians are responsible for establishing, maintaining, and, if necessary, restoring professional boundaries. According to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, a PT or PTA, rather than a patient, is much more likely to cross professional and legal boundaries in clinical relationships. Yet, situations of unwanted attention and inappropriate sexual behaviors from patients occur in physical therapist practice.
By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
Ethics in Practice: #Boundaries: When Is the Line Being Crossed?
With social media, when does a professional relationship get too personal?
Date: August 1, 2023
Contact: aptamag@apta.org
Content Type: Column
Debra Gorman-Badar, PT, PhD, and Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler, PT, DPT
You Might Also Like...
Article
Congress Reintroduces APTA-Supported Legislation to Increase 2025 PFS PaymentFeb 5, 2025
Echoing a bipartisan bill from October 2024, the legislation would eliminate the 2.8% cut to dozens of providers and enact a payment increase for
Column
Ethics in Practice: Physical Therapy as a Moral CommunityFeb 1, 2025
Physical Therapy as a Moral Community: Collaboration, Leadership, and Persistence
Column
Defining Moment: From PT to PatientFeb 1, 2025
How becoming the patient changed the clinical perspective of this clinician.