Caring is a professional calling for physical therapists. Providing physical therapy services and supporting organizations that provide services to those without access to care for financial reasons, from a lack of availability of services, or in the event of a disaster are a moral and ethical obligation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and for the well-being of society. APTA's Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards for Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant specify that APTA members provide pro bono physical therapy services and/or support organizations that meet the health needs of people who are economically disadvantaged, uninsured, or under-insured.
Our speakers will discuss resources to those that provide or support pro bono physical therapy services.
Educational objectives:
1. Describe the benefits of operating physical therapy pro bono services within a free medical clinic.
2. Describe the benefits of operating physical therapy pro bono services with students in administrative roles.
3. Describe ways to address liability concerns in the United States.
4. Articulate steps to grow and sustain ethical and effective physical therapy pro bono services in the United States.
5. Describe resources to assist in growing and sustaining ethical and effective physical therapy pro bono services in the United States.
Speakers:
Jim Benedict, PT, PhD
Penguin PT
Youngstown State University
Jill Black, PT, DPT, EdD
Chester Community Physical Therapy Clinic
Widener University
Moderator:
April Gamble PT, DPT
Physiotherapist trainer at Center for Victims of Torture in Kurdistan, Iraq
