Objectives:

• Understand the structure of the new APTA Code of Ethics and how to find pertinent information using key words.

• Access information related to business practice in the new APTA Code of Ethics.

• Understand the difference between aspirational commitments and enforceable standards in the new APTA Code of Ethics.

• Understand the difference between California rules and regulations versus the new APTA Code of Ethics

• Evaluate possible options for how to navigate the workplace when compliance is lacking.

• Apply strategies that align with the Code for resolving conflicts

• Evaluate the ethics of selecting treatment based on need versus highest charges.

• Recognize the value of the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee as a professional resource for APTA members.

SPEAKERS:

Gail M. Jensen PT, PhD, FAPTA, FNAP

Dr. Jensen is Vice Provost for Learning and Assessment, Dean Emerita, and Professor of Physical Therapy and holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Medical Humanities at Creighton University. She is known nationally and internationally for scholarly contributions in expert practice, clinical reasoning, professional ethics, and interprofessional education. She is past chair of the APTA’s Ethics and Judicial Committee and served on the APTA appointed task force that engaged in the most review and revision of the Code. She is a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association, a Distinguished Scholar fellow in the Physical Therapy Academy of the National Academies of Practice, recipient of the APTA’s Rothstein Golden Pen Award, Lucy Blair Service Award and was the APTA’s 2011 Mary McMillan Lecturer and in 2022 gave the 24th Annual Cerasoli Lecture for the Education Academy. Dr.Jensen received her PhD in educational evaluation with a minor in sociology from Stanford University. She holds a master’s degree in physical therapy from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota.

Rhea Cohn, PT (ret.), DPT

Dr. Cohn is currently an independent health care consultant to professionals, businesses, and payers interested in the provision of rehabilitation service. She was a member and Chair of the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee and was a member of the Task Force that developed the updated 2026 APTA Code of Ethics. Dr. Cohn is a past Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Education at the George Washington University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She has more than 40 years of professional experience including work as a professional association (APTA) senior manager, educator, clinician and consultant. Association work included advocating for health coverage policies and benefits for services provided by physical therapists in the public and private sector. Dr. Cohn is nationally recognized speaker to payers, fraud investigators and providers of rehabilitation services. She received her Masters in Physical Therapy at New York University, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Simmons University.

Schedule:

6:00 - 6:05 Introduction

6:05 - 6:30 2026 APTA Code of Ethics: A Roadmap for decision making

6:30 – 7:00 Responsibilities of employees and business owners (PTs and PTAs) to ensure compliance with the Code of Ethics.

7:00 - 7:30 Challenges of business practice caused by third parties.

7:30 – 7:45 Recognize the value of the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee as a professional resource for APTA members.

7:45 -8:00 Q&A