Physical therapists must make — and be allowed to make — decisions on patient and client care in accordance with their clinical judgment. The Code of Ethics, Principle #3 states: "Physical therapists shall be accountable for making sound professional judgments."

Physical therapists have an ethical responsibility to deliver services that are medically necessary and in the patient's best interest, based on their independent clinical reasoning and judgment and on objective data.

Clinical judgment is informed by professional standards, evidence (including current literature and established best practice), the PT's experience, and patient and client values.

PTs who witness or become engaged in suspect treatment or billing practices must take appropriate steps to stop them. These resources can help you in uphold the integrity and the principles described within the Code of Ethics.