Which of the following statements highlights an ethical obligation of a PT or PTA?

Safeguarding patient confidentiality at all times is a fundamental ethical obligation for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. This principle is grounded in the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship. Patients need to feel secure that their private health information will be protected and only shared with authorized individuals, as mandated by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Maintaining confidentiality ensures that patient autonomy and dignity are respected. It also contributes to a positive treatment environment, where patients can openly communicate their issues without fear of judgment or breach of their personal information. Failing to uphold this ethical duty can lead to serious consequences, not only for the patient but also for the healthcare provider, including loss of licensure and legal repercussions.

The other options do not align with the ethical standards expected of PTs and PTAs. Collecting payment before treatment could raise issues regarding access to care and whether patients are being treated based on their financial status rather than their clinical needs. Selling health-related products to patients introduces a potential conflict of interest and can compromise the integrity of the therapist-patient relationship. Encouraging unnecessary treatments violates the ethical principle of doing no harm and can exploit patients’ trust for financial gain. Therefore, safeguarding patient confidentiality is the only option that