Ethics, Laws, and Regulations for California Physical Therapy
- Continuing education credit hours 2.00
- Mobile-Friendly, Self-Paced Format
- Nationally-Accredited, Regulatory-Approved
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will have gained the knowledge to incorporate ethical and legal principles and behaviors into the practice of physical therapy in California. Specific learning objectives to address potential learning gaps include:
Define “ethics.”
Summarize the fundamental ethical principles generally associated with the practice of healthcare.
Discuss the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) “Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist.”
Discuss the APTA’s “Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.”
Outline the basis and sources of law in the United States.
Discuss the elements of the California Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Identify how civil and criminal law apply to the practice of physical therapy.
Course Description
MANDATORY FOR CA PT/PTA.
This 2-hour CE course fulfills the continuing competency requirement on ethics, laws, and regulations pertaining to physical therapy practice in California. Includes the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
Regulations/Board Approvals
Wild Iris Medical Education, Inc., is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Physical Therapy Ethics CEU: An Overview
Physical therapists (PTs) regularly encounter ethical situations that impact patient care. Stay ahead of the curve with our Physical Therapy Ethics CEU course, designed specifically for California professionals! In California, the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) requires all licensed PTs and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) to complete continuing competency hours, including a mandatory course in ethics.
In this Physical Therapy Ethics course, learn the essentials of state laws and ethical patient care practices to maintain a high standard of service. This 2-hour course provides guidance on handling ethical challenges, helps understand relevant California laws, and maintains professional standards in clinical practice. With more than 240,820 licensed physical therapists in the state, clear and relevant ethics education is important for maintaining consistent, high-quality care. This course fulfills PTBC’s ethics requirement and helps professionals stay up to date with current expectations.
Course Curriculum
This mobile-friendly Physical Therapy Ethics course is designed for both new graduates and experienced physical therapists. It goes beyond just meeting regulatory requirements; this curriculum empowers you with practical tools to handle ethical dilemmas confidently and maintain the highest professional standards.
Unit 1. Fundamentals of Ethics in Healthcare
Learn the core definition of ethics and how ethical principles specifically apply to physical therapy practice. Understand the foundation of ethical decision-making in clinical settings.
Unit 2. APTA Code of Ethics
Explore the American Physical Therapy Association's "Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist" in detail. Learn how these standards guide professional conduct and patient care decisions.
Unit 3. APTA Standards for Physical Therapist Assistants
Discover the specific ethical standards that apply to Physical Therapist Assistants. Understand the unique responsibilities and ethical considerations of support professionals.
Unit 4. Legal Foundations in U.S. Healthcare
Understand the basis and sources of law affecting physical therapy practice. Learn how legal principles intersect with ethical obligations in patient care.
Unit 5. California Physical Therapy Practice Act
Master the specific elements of the California Physical Therapy Practice Act. Learn state-specific regulations that govern your practice and licensure requirements, which were updated in 2023 with three critical changes.
Unit 6. Civil and Criminal Law Applications
Identify how both civil and criminal law apply to physical therapy practice. Understand potential legal pitfalls and how to practice defensively while maintaining high ethical standards.
Benefits of the Course
With over 300 complaints filed annually against licensed PTs in California, staying informed and compliant is more important than ever. Our Physical Therapy CE California course provides real-world advantages for practicing professionals. Here's how the course makes a meaningful difference:
Licensure Compliance
Complete your mandatory ethics requirement with a course specifically designed for California PT professionals. Stay compliant with state regulations without stress.
Enhanced Decision-Making
Develop stronger ethical reasoning skills to navigate complex patient care situations. Apply ethical frameworks to make better clinical decisions.
Legal Risk Reduction
Understanding legal boundaries reduces potential liability issues. Learn to practice within established legal frameworks while maintaining ethical standards.
Professional Confidence
Gain confidence in handling difficult ethical dilemmas. Approach challenging situations with clarity about your professional obligations.
Career Advancement
Document your commitment to ethical practice with recognized continuing education. Add valuable credentials to your professional portfolio.
Patient Trust
Strengthen patient relationships through improved ethical awareness. Apply principles that enhance communication and respect for patient autonomy.
Why Choose LearnTastic as Your Physical Therapy Ethics Course Provider
At LearnTastic, we don’t just deliver courses, we offer intuitive and affordable learning, tailored for everyone. Join thousands of PT professionals by choosing LearnTastic:
California Board Approved
Our course meets all requirements set by the Physical Therapy Board of California. Complete your ethics CEU with confidence, knowing it will be accepted for license renewal.
Nationally Recognized
Our certifications are accepted by over 100+ regulatory bodies nationwide. The course meets high standards recognized by organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC).
Self-Paced Learning
Complete the course on your schedule without disrupting your clinical practice. Access content 24/7 from any device.
Mobile-Friendly Platform
The course works seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, or desktops. Study between appointments or whenever it's convenient.
2.0 CE Credit Hours
Earn the exact credits needed to fulfill California's ethics requirement. Get certification instantly after passing the course.
Highly Rated Content
With over 1,900+ five-star reviews, our ethics course is trusted for its clear, practical content that’s easy to apply in daily practice.
Who Should Enroll for This Course?
If you are a physical therapist in California, this course is important for staying up to date and meeting your California physical therapy CEUs. For individuals just starting their careers or who have years of experience, this course will help handle ethical situations with confidence. Enroll if you are:
Licensed Physical Therapists in California
Physical Therapist Assistants seeking license renewal
PT professionals new to California practice
Experienced therapists needing ethics refresher training
PT educators and clinical instructors
Healthcare administrators overseeing PT departments
Regulatory Boards
Our Physical Therapy Ethics CEU course aligns with major regulatory standards to ensure full compliance and nationwide acceptance. It meets the requirements for:
Physical Therapy Board of California
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) standards
American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission (ANCC)
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
Accredited and Approved Nationwide High-Quality CEU Courses since 1998.





