Professional Practice, Ethics, and Legislation
This domain tests ethical reasoning, scope of practice, consent, confidentiality, documentation, referral, and the legal framework for rehabilitation services. In India, the Rehabilitation Council of India Act 1992 historically regulated rehabilitation professionals; the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act 2021 established a newer regulatory framework. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and the National Trust Act 1999 shape service rights, accessibility, and guardianship.
Core rules
- Practice within competence and scope; refer when the case exceeds training or resources.
- Obtain informed consent before assessment, treatment, recording, or telepractice. Explain purpose, risks, benefits, alternatives, and confidentiality limits.
- Keep records accurate, secure, and limited to need-to-know recipients. Release information only with consent or legal authority.
- Apply nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, justice, veracity, and fidelity. Avoid dual relationships and conflicts of interest.
- Mandatory reporting and public-safety exceptions can override confidentiality; know local rules.
Worked example
An employer asks for a client’s full therapy file without the client’s consent. The clinician should refuse routine release, explain confidentiality, and offer a summary only with written consent or when legally compelled. Reasoning: confidentiality is a core duty; disclosure requires valid authorization or a legal exception. The clinician documents the request and the response.
Traps
Do not discuss cases on social media or in public spaces. Do not guarantee cure or misrepresent credentials. Do not accept gifts or roles that create dual relationships without managing risk. Do not release records casually to family members without consent.