Ethics, Professional Conduct, and Patient Rights
What this domain tests
This domain tests informed consent, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and the patient-rights obligations that apply in everyday practice.
Core rules
- Informed consent requires that the patient receive the diagnosis or condition, proposed interventions, material risks and benefits, reasonable alternatives, and the right to refuse. Consent should be documented; implied consent is not a substitute for a required discussion.
- Confidentiality is governed by state law and HIPAA. Protected health information may be released with valid authorization or as required or permitted by law. Casual discussion of patients in public areas is a violation.
- Boundaries: sexual or romantic relationships with current patients are prohibited. Dual relationships and gifts must be managed so they do not exploit or influence care.
- Patient rights include dignity, privacy, participation in care decisions, access to records, and freedom from abuse or discrimination.
Worked example
A patient gives a PT a $200 gift card and asks the PT on a date. The PT declines the date, follows clinic policy on gifts, and documents the interaction. Reasoning: romantic relationships with patients are prohibited, and gifts can create boundary and exploitation concerns; the response must protect the therapeutic relationship.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming a signed general consent form covers every new intervention.
- Discussing a patient’s case in an elevator or on social media.
- Accepting a date because the patient “initiated” it.
- Disclosing records to a family member without authorization.
- Failing to document a refusal of care or a boundary discussion.