NPTE-PT Test Professional Responsibilities and Ethics Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real NPTE-PT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 NPTE-PT Test Professional Responsibilities and Ethics Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A physical therapist receives a subpoena requesting a patient's therapy records for a legal proceeding. The patient has not authorized release. What is the MOST appropriate action?
Answer: Consult with legal counsel and notify the patient before responding to the subpoena
When receiving a subpoena, the therapist should consult legal counsel and notify the patient, as a subpoena alone may not override HIPAA protections without a valid court order or patient authorization.
Which of the following BEST describes the ethical concept of distributive justice as it applies to physical therapy practice?
Answer: Allocating healthcare resources fairly and equitably regardless of patient characteristics
Distributive justice in healthcare requires fair and equitable allocation of resources without discrimination based on socioeconomic status, race, or other patient characteristics.
A physical therapist's patient reveals during treatment that they are undocumented. The therapist's employer has a policy requiring staff to report undocumented individuals. What should the therapist do?
Answer: Continue providing care and maintain confidentiality, as healthcare providers are not immigration enforcement agents
Physical therapists have an ethical obligation to provide care regardless of immigration status, and patient disclosures during treatment are protected health information under HIPAA.
A newly licensed physical therapist is asked by their supervisor to perform joint mobilization techniques they learned in school but have never performed on an actual patient. What is the MOST ethical response?
Answer: Inform the supervisor of their limited experience and request supervision or mentorship before performing the technique independently
Ethical practice requires therapists to practice within their competence level and to seek appropriate supervision when transitioning from academic training to independent clinical practice.
During an initial evaluation, a patient tells the physical therapist they do not want a student physical therapist involved in their care. What is the appropriate response?
Answer: Honor the patient's request and ensure the student does not participate in their care
Patients have the right to refuse care from students, and this preference must be honored as part of respecting patient autonomy and informed consent.
A physical therapist discovers a billing error that resulted in a patient being overcharged for three months of treatment. The error was unintentional. What is the MOST appropriate action?
Answer: Immediately disclose the error to the patient, facility administration, and arrange for appropriate reimbursement
Professional ethics and legal requirements mandate prompt disclosure of billing errors and appropriate corrective action, including reimbursement to affected parties regardless of intent.