Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

For which scenario must a physical therapist not disclose a patient's condition legally?

1. When the patient has not consented

2. In cases of emergency

3. When the patient is unconscious

4. While under supervision

The correct answer is: When the patient has not consented

A physical therapist must prioritize patient confidentiality and obtain consent before disclosing any information about a patient's condition. Legally, if a patient has not provided consent, the physical therapist is bound by ethical and legal obligations to maintain the privacy of the patient's health information. This principle is entrenched in laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which safeguards personal health information and requires that patient consent is obtained prior to sharing any details, except in specific situations outlined by law. In contrast, in cases of emergencies, there may be exigent circumstances that allow for the sharing of information without prior consent to protect the patient or others. When a patient is unconscious, healthcare professionals may also need to make immediate decisions regarding treatment without obtaining consent due to the urgent nature of the situation. Supervision does not negate the need for consent, but in a supervisory context, the rules surrounding information sharing can be more nuanced, often still requiring the patient’s consent for disclosure of their condition. Therefore, the requirement for consent stands as a critical legal and ethical principle in the practice of physical therapy.