Professional Ethics & Legal Standards Flashcards
7 cards from real ATC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Ethics & Legal Standards flashcards as text
A client asks an aquatic therapist to recommend a specific prescription pain medication. What is the most appropriate response?
Answer: Explain that medication advice is outside scope of practice and refer the client to their physician
Recommending medication falls outside an aquatic therapist's scope of practice and belongs to licensed prescribers.
Under HIPAA, which of the following is permitted without written client authorization?
Answer: Disclosing protected health information to other providers for treatment purposes
HIPAA allows disclosure of protected health information for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without separate authorization.
Which element is essential for valid informed consent before beginning aquatic therapy?
Answer: A description of risks, benefits, and alternatives in understandable language
Valid informed consent requires the client to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing.
A therapist notices bruises on a dependent adult client that are inconsistent with the explanation given. What is the therapist's legal obligation?
Answer: Report suspicions to the appropriate authorities as required by state mandatory reporting laws
Most states require healthcare professionals to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults to designated agencies.
Which statement best describes the purpose of a professional code of ethics?
Answer: It provides guiding principles for professional conduct and client protection
A code of ethics establishes standards of conduct that protect clients and uphold the profession's integrity.
A therapist is asked to treat a client with a condition well beyond their training. Which action reflects ethical practice?
Answer: Refer the client to a qualified professional
Ethical practice requires practicing within one's competence and referring when a case exceeds it.
How long should adult client treatment records generally be retained?
Answer: As required by state law and facility policy, commonly several years
Retention periods vary by state and payer but are commonly at least several years after the last treatment.
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