The IPTA Ethics Committee ensures that educational information and resources are available to physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and in order to provide educational materials to respondents, the committee regularly reviews available materials to determine what ethics information and/or educational resources are available.
The current opening is for a full term beginning January 1, 2024 and finishing December 31, 2026.
Report to: The IPTA President/staff on matters relating to specific ethical inquiries. Written reports should be submitted annually to the Assembly of Representatives, and as requested to the Board of Directors.
Committee Composition & Term: The committee is appointed by the IPTA President. It is comprised of three members of the Chapter who are not members of the IPTA Board of Director’s Executive Committee. Members serve a term of three years, commencing on January 1, with one member appointed each year. The committee member with seniority serves as Chair.
Committee Objective: The ongoing role of the Ethics Committee of the IPTA to serve as an educational resource to the members of the IPTA through educational programs, direct communication, consultation to the Board of Directors/Assembly of Representatives, and other tasks related to Ethics and professionalism as needed by the Board, Assembly, or Association.
Benefits: Through research and discussion with your peers, you will reinforce your sound ethical commitment to provide quality services for patients, work effectively with colleagues, and maintain the trust of the public. The Ethics committee serves as a resource to the PTs and PTAs in the state and by providing education and support you support the ongoing ethical practice of your profession in the state.
Specific Responsibilities: The Ethics Committee provides educational opportunities to the Chapter’s membership in the form of educational programs, webinars, and articles in the Keeping You Connected or IPTA website. Specifically, on an annual basis the Ethics Committee develops and presents two educational programs on areas related to Ethics and professionalism- one on Sexual Harassment (1 hour) and one on Ethics (3 hours). Committee members may also be called upon to assist members with locating general information about ethics and professionalism or asked to research and provide consult to the Board of Directors and Assembly of Representatives on specific issues as needed. The committee maintains the online resources for members and is responsible for monitoring the IDFPR's monthly reports that detail disciplinary actions taken against licensees. Should the committee determine that a disciplinary action is taken against and APTA member, the committee should notify the IPTA president so that the incident is reported to the APTA for review.The committee maintains the online resources for members and is responsible for monitoring the IDFPR's monthly reports that detail disciplinary actions taken against licensees. Should the committee determine that a disciplinary action is taken against and APTA member, the committee should notify the IPTA president so that the incident is reported to the APTA for review.
Time Commitment: The amount of time dedicated to this committee is relative to the number of inquiries received by the Chapter as well as the programs and activities that the Ethics Committee undertakes. Recent experience has been less than 5 ethical inquiries investigated, two educational programs, and 1-2 newsletter posts developed in a 12 month period.
Qualifications: Must be an IPTA member in good standing.
Training and Support: The Chapter office provides annual volunteer orientation as well as ongoing administrative and clerical support for the committee. Access to resource documents and information is available through www.IPTA.org as well as APTA: http://www.apta.org/EthicsProfessionalism/. In addition, you will have opportunities to participate in APTA's various training opportunities that are relevant to your role.
Recourse: The IPTA places great value on the relationship between members, staff, and businesses working together to further our mission. The IPTA also recognizes that there may be occasions when conflicts arise. If such circumstance occurs, please consult with the IPTA President and Executive Director.
Evaluation: The IPTA BOD President will contact you before the completion of your term for feedback on your volunteer experience. This will be used to update this job description, develop appropriate materials, and effectively orient future IPTA volunteers.