In the conduct of their professional activities, the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall be bound by the following ethical and professional principles. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants shall:

1. (1) Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals and shall provide compassionate care.
2. (2) Demonstrate behavior that reflects integrity, supports objectivity, and fosters trust in the profession and its professionals.
3. (3) Comply with state and/or federal laws that govern and relate to physical therapy practice.
4. (4) Exercise sound professional judgment and perform only those procedures or functions in which they are individually competent and that are within the scope of accepted and responsible practice. A physical therapist shall not delegate to a less qualified person any activity that requires the unique skill, knowledge, and judgment of the physical therapist. A physical therapist assistant shall provide selected physical therapy interventions only under the supervision and direction of the evaluating physical therapist. A physical therapist assistant shall make judgments that are commensurate with their education and legal qualifications as a physical therapist assistant.
5. (5) Actively maintain and continually improve their professional competence and represent it accurately.
6. (6) Maintain high standards by following sound scientific procedures and ethical principles in research and the practice of physical therapy.
7. (7) Seek reasonable remuneration for physical therapy practice.
8. (8) Provide and make available accurate and relevant information to patients about their care and maintain patient confidentiality.
9. (9) May provide information to the public about societal benefits of physical therapy services. A physical therapist may advertise his/her services to the public.
10. (10) Refuse to participate in illegal or unethical acts, and shall refuse to conceal illegal, unethical or incompetent acts of others.
11. (11) Endeavor to address the health needs of society through pro bono services and/or community health services.
12. (12) Respect the rights, knowledge and skills of colleagues and other healthcare professionals.

Added at 21 Ok Reg 1055, eff 5-14-04