Arizona Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

A physical therapist must inform a patient in writing about their financial interest in which of the following?

1. Future treatment options

2. Products they endorse and recommend

3. Other therapist's referrals

4. Their personal finances

The correct answer is: Products they endorse and recommend

A physical therapist is required to inform a patient in writing about their financial interest in products they endorse and recommend due to ethical and legal obligations. This transparency helps to maintain trust in the patient-therapist relationship, ensuring that patients are fully informed about any potential conflicts of interest. By disclosing financial interests in endorsed products, the therapist provides the patient with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their care. This requirement stems from regulations aimed at protecting patients from potential exploitation that may arise when a therapist has a financial stake in a product. Patients should know if their treatment recommendations might benefit the therapist financially, as this could inadvertently influence the therapist's clinical judgment. In contrast, the other options do not require the same level of disclosure. For example, while future treatment options and other therapist's referrals are relevant to patient care, they do not entail a direct financial interest that requires written disclosure. Personal finances are private matters that do not impact patient care directly and, therefore, do not need to be shared with patients in this context.