Ethics Resources

• Guide for Professional Conduct
• PT Code of Ethics
• Guide for Conduct of PTA
• Standards of Conduct PTA

WPTA seeks to promote the highest standards for physical therapy practice. All WPTA members are expected to maintain and promote ethical practice. If an individual notes any conduct by a physical therapy practitioner, which appears to be unethical, incompetent or illegal, that conduct must be reported. There are two mechanisms for reporting concerns. Ethics concerns against WPTA members can be brought to the WPTA Chapter Ethics Committee.

Violations of the Wisconsin Practice Act by any physical therapists (WPTA members or non-members) can be brought to the attention of the State of Wisconsin, Department of Regulation & Licensing.

 

I. How does the Ethics Committee work?

Who are the members of the Ethics Committee?

The WPTA Chapter Ethics Committee (CEC) consists of three WPTA members elected by the membership to process complaints against members of the chapter and also to stimulate awareness of ethical issues within the Chapter. Current members of the CEC are:

• Tina Stoeckmann, Chair
• Susan Griffin
• Gwyn Straker

How do I register a complaint?

A complaint that a member has been in violation of the Code of Ethics or Standards of Practice is made in writing to the Chapter President. The President reviews the complaint to determine if the complaint contains a clear and concise statement of facts that constitute the alleged unethical conduct. A frivolous complaint is one that does not clearly involve ethical allegations. Upon receipt of the complaint, a copy is forwarded to the APTA Judicial Committee and assigned a new case number. IF the complaint indicates a crime that is classified as a felony or any crime that is punishable by imprisonment for six months or more, the member is suspended from APTA membership until the next meeting of the Judicial Committee, at which time a review will take place. The Chapter President refers the bona fide complaint to the CEC who appoints an investigator to perform a comprehensive review of the circumstances. The reviewer prepares a file and submits the file to the CEC. The CEC then determines to a. dismiss the complaint, or b. notify the respondent of his/her right to a hearing. The respondent has the right to appear before the hearing in person to present and examine witnesses and evidence. The conclusions and recommendations of the CEC are forwarded to the APTA Judicial Committee.
What may the CEC recommend to the APTA Judicial Committee?

The CEC may recommend dismissal of the complaint or disciplinary action in the form of a reprimand, probation, suspension or expulsion.

What then?

The respondent may request a hearing or submission of written testimony at the next meeting of the APTA Judicial Committee. The final decision of the Judicial Committee may be to approve the recommendation of the CEC, modify the recommendation of the CEC or remand to the CEC with appropriate directives.
Appeals may be made by written request by the respondent to the APTA Board of Directors. The Board of Directors reviews the appeal at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The respondent can submit written testimony or appear to present oral testimony.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to the Code of Ethics or Standards of Practice, please contact one of the WPTA CEC members or contact president@wpta.org.

II. How do I register a complaint regarding a potential violation of the Wisconsin Practice Act?

The mission statement of the State of Wisconsin, Department of Regulation & Licensing is to provide professional, quality services to members of occupations and professions regulated by the state in order to safeguard consumer health, safety and well-being.

If you feel a physical therapy practitioner is in violation of the Wisconsin State Practice Act, please contact the

Department of Regulation & Licensing
www.drl.state.wi.us or http://drl.wi.gov/index.htm
1400 E. Washington Ave., Room 173
Madison, WI 53703
1-608-266-2112