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California Physical Therapy Ethics, Laws & Regulations
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Course Description
Stay ahead of the curve with this comprehensive continuing education course designed specifically for California physical therapy professionals navigating one of the nation's most complex regulatory landscapes. This evidence-based program provides high-value insights into the California Physical Therapy Practice Act, the landmark 2026 APTA Code of Ethics, and the latest standards for telehealth and artificial intelligence in clinical practice. Whether you are preparing for the CAL-JAM or seeking your mandatory two hours of ethics and law for license renewal, this course "sells" itself by bridging the gap between abstract legal mandates and real-world clinical decision-making. Protect your license and enhance patient safety by mastering critical topics like direct access rules, PTA and aide supervision ratios, and mandatory reporting obligations. Don't just meet your CE requirements - gain the professional confidence and moral courage to thrive in today’s demanding healthcare environment.
California Physical Therapy Ethics, Laws & Regulations
Additional Course Details
0:00 - Introduction
3:16 - Module 1: Regulatory Foundation
14:55 - Module 2: Direct Access and Licensure
30:08 - Module 3: Supervision of PTAs and Aides
41:32 - Module 4: Enforcement, Discipline & Malpractice
55:37 - Module 5: Ethics & the 2026 APTA Code
1:12:41 - Module 6: RIPS Decision-Making Model
1:25:53 - Module 7: Compliance & Informed Consent
1:43:34 - Module 8: Case Study 1
1:46:38 - Case Study 2
1:49:25 - Case Study 3
1:52:12 - Case Study 4
2:04:05 - End
- Identify the scope of practice boundaries under the California Physical Therapy Practice Act.
- Describe the licensure and supervision requirements for California physical therapy professionals.
- Explain the grounds for disciplinary action by the Physical Therapy Board of California.
- Recognize the foundational bioethical principles guiding physical therapy practice.
- Define the components of the RIPS ethical decision-making model (Realm-Individual Process-Situation).
- State the legal requirements for patient rights in California physical therapy practice.
- List the ethical considerations for using emerging technologies in physical therapy practice.
Personnel Disclosure:
Financial – Anne Osborn, PT, MPT is the member manager of Ridley Learning. She receives compensation for the authorship of this course.
Nonfinancial - no relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
No relevant conflicts of interest exist for any member of the activity planning committee.
Intermediate
Cancellation Policy: For activity cancellation, returns, or complaint resolution, please contact us by email help@ridleylearning.com. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Refunds will be issued for courses who's credit has not been issued (exams have not been completed), or for any course that has been rejected by your board of approval. Webinar cancellations and exchanges must be completed 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.