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Physical‑therapy group backs mandatory ethics training but asks that requirement be biennial
Summary
The Connecticut chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association urged the committee to require periodic ethics and jurisprudence training for licensed physical therapists, suggesting a two‑hour course every other year rather than an annual requirement to avoid crowding out clinical continuing education.
The Connecticut chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association told the Public Health Committee it supports a proposal in House Bill 7157 to require periodic ethics training for licensed physical therapists.
Jim Leahy, executive director of APTA Connecticut, told lawmakers that licensed physical therapists already complete 20 continuing‑education hours annually and that adding a mandatory two‑hour ethics course every year would consume 10 percent of a licensee’s continuing education requirement. He recommended the committee require a two‑hour ethics and jurisprudence module every other year instead, saying at least 17 states already require some ethics component.
Why it matters: The association said mandatory ethics training reinforces professional standards, helps clinicians recognize and resolve ethical dilemmas, and supports patient safety and public trust. The organization framed the change as an educational, not disciplinary, reform.
Next steps: The association asked the committee to adopt the requirement on a biennial cycle to preserve space in clinicians’ continuing‑education portfolios for clinically focused courses.
Ending: The committee did not take a vote; members welcomed the proposal and asked the group to submit model language showing a two‑year cadence.
